BLACK CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA COHOSH – MULTI USE HERB

The more popular an herb becomes the more threatened it is by naysayers. Those guys who figure long term exposure of ingesting the potent herb could lead to unnecessary fatalities most often have little evidence to back it up. The numbers of observation studies are so small they are nothing when viewed as to prescription drug studies. Black Cohosh aka Cimicifuga Racemosa is under scrutiny.

This herb is found as a family member of the buttercups. Its curved tusk shaped cream colored flowers make it a remarkable plant for any garden. Bugs avoid any snacking on this intriguing specimen. Hence the nicknames of bugbane and bugwort. The name Black Cohosh comes from its roots, literally they are black. The part of the herb used is the roots. Since most herbs have a bitter taste use honey to sweeten teas or take them in pill form. Black Cohosh is found in most health food stores and mass stores like Wal-Mart.

Native Americans used the herb to treat extreme rheumatism, kidney disorders, female complaints, and exhaustion. In today’s society, the herb is used mainly for its estrogen-like components. Women experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and pain swear on Black Cohosh for the relief it brings. Remifemin, a top name brand on the market, uses Black Cohosh as its main ingredient and advertises toward women who are going through menopause.

Women who have cramps during their period can use it to. It works faster and better then aspirin relief. One of the reasons Black Cohosh works so well, especially on cramps, is because its a muscle relaxant. Cramps occur when the muscle tenses up so by alleviating the constant pressure the pain subsides.

It can be used for leg spasms or any spasmodic condition. Restless leg sufferers would benefit. It calms surrounding nerves and has a very soothing effect. Women with thinning hair based on loss of estrogen will find Black Cohosh helpful in keeping what hair they have and possibly growing some hair lost back.

The one thing to remember about Black Cohosh is that it’s an overall pain reliever. It’s much stronger then regular aspirin and seems to work faster.

The problems linked to Black Cohosh are small in number. Worldwide, Fourty Nine cases of liver problems have been reported as a side effect of taking Black Cohosh. Out of the Fourty Nine, Four received liver transplants. Higher numbers of fatalities and problems caused by taking prescription drugs due to allergic reactions and common side effects should be of greater concern.

There are signs to watch out for to indicate a failing liver. The skin may look yellow and be itchy. Urine appears dark. Flu symptoms may develop. Abdominal sensitivity in the general area of the liver when touched.

Reading the label and taking correct dosages should keep most everyone out of harms way, but do avoid taking Black Cohosh while pregnant. It can cause miscarriages, but can be taken near the end of a pregnancy to induce labor.