Black Cohosh Benefits
Updated Nov. 30th, 2023 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Active Properties & Health Benefits of Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh Supplement Varieties
- Cautions & Important Info Before Taking This Supplement
The Latin name of black cohosh, Cimicifuga, actually means bug repeller, although today it is better known for its hormonal activity. Black cohosh is a phytoestrogenic agent. This means that it contains plant estrogens, compounds that look similar to human estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the human body. These plant estrogens only stimulate the receptors a fraction of the amount that the hormone estrogen would. Therefore, black cohosh can benefit conditions of high estrogen activity, by blocking the activity of the hormone estrogen.
Active Properties & Health Benefits of Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh can also benefit conditions of low estrogen activity by binding to vacant receptor sites and causing a bit of hormonal stimulation. Black cohosh is used to treat menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, anxiety and depression, and PMS and painful periods. Black cohosh also contains aspirin precursor molecules called salicylates. Therefore black cohosh has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for conditions like arthritis. Some compounds in black cohosh have been found to decrease blood pressure by dilating vessels making black cohosh useful for treating high blood pressure.
Black Cohosh Supplement Varieties
Most black cohosh supplements are made from encapsulated dried root. Be sure to purchase a product that has been standardized to the triterpene content. This is an assurance that the product contains black cohosh and has some active properties.
Cautions & Important Info Before Taking This Supplement
Black cohosh may cause miscarriage when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is potentially toxic to infants and should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Individuals with estrogen sensitive tumours or a history of such tumours should not use black cohosh. Theoretically black cohosh may alter levels of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement medication or blood thinners but this has not been seen clinically. Do not use black cohosh if you are allergic to aspirin.
