BLACK COHOSH - The Indians were Right

Family: Ranunculaceae; other members include buttercup, larkspur, peony
Genus and species: Cimicifuga racemosa or Macrotys actaeoides
Also known as: Squawroot, snakeroot
Parts used: Rhizome and root

One of the 19th century’s most popular patent medicines was Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, introduced in 1876 to treat “female weakness: -- that is, menstrual cramps. Pinkham’s Compound contained several herbs, and chief among them was black cohosh, long known among the Algonquian Indians as a treatment for gynecological complaints.

HEALING with Black Cohosh
When used safely, this herb may play a role in healing. Because of its possible side effects, however, it should be used only with the approval and supervision of your physician. Several studies show its early advocates may have been right about the herb’s potential to treat gynecological problems.
1. Menstrual Discomforts. Black cohosh has estrogenic effects, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. The herb’s estrogenic action may lend support to its traditional use for menstrual complaints. Estrogenic herbs must be used carefully, however. Estrogen is a key ingredient in birth control pills. Any woman whose physician advises her not to take the pill may have to avoid using this herb as well. She should discuss black cohosh’s estrogenic activity with her doctor before using this herb.
2. Menopausal Discomforts. Estrogen is also prescribed for menopausal symptoms, and herbs with estrogenic action can be expected to have a similar effect on these symptoms.
3. Prostate Cancer. Female sex hormones slow the growth of prostate tumors. Physicians often prescribe hormones similar to estrogen for men with prostate cancer. Black cohosh’s estrogenic action may help manage this cancer, but men with prostate cancer should consult their physicians before using it.
4. High Blood Pressure. A study shows black cohosh reduces by opening the blood vessels in the limbs (peripheries). The herb may help manage high blood pressure, but consult your physician before using it for this purpose.
5. Intriguing Possibilities. One study shows black cohosh has anti-inflammatory activity, possibility explaining its Indian use as a treatment for arthritis. Another report shows it reduces animal blood sugar levels, suggesting possible value in controlling diabetes.

Rx for Black Cohosh
For a decoction, boil ½ teaspoon of powdered root per cup of water for 30 minutes. Let cool. It has an unpleasant aroma and a sharp, bitter taste. Add lemon and honey, or mix with a beverage tea. Take 2 tablespoons every few hours, up to 1 cup a day.

In a tincture, take up to 1 teaspoon per day.

Children under age 2 and people over 65 should start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

SAFETY FACTOR
Overdose may cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, visual dimness, headache, tremors, joint pains, and depressed heart rate. For some, these effects may develop at relatively low doses.

In addition to the side effects listed above, the estrogen-like component of the herb may act just like estrogen itself and contribute to liver problems and abnormal blood clotting, as well as promote the development of certain types of breast tumors. Finally, pregnant women should not use estrogenic herbs.

Black cohosh’s possible effects on the heart are most worrisome. Anyone with heart disease, especially congestive heart failure, should not use it.