Cohosh, black - Cimicifuga racemosa

Is also called Actaea racemosa.
Also very commonly used for morning sickness, headache, and depression. Helpful against venemous bites. Lowers the production of mucous.
Black Cohosh is used as an alternative to hormonal treatment. The herb is said to be able to affect the superior regulating function in the brain and the circulation - but not because the herb affects the body's oestrogen receptors. Nevertheless, black Cohosh is used for the same type of health problems for which oestrogen supplements are used, e.g. menstrual pain and menopausal problems. The herb relieves cramps, increases the blood flow, and hinders inflammation of the female sexual organs. Specific for periodic cramps and pains in the ovaries; the pain can often move down to the legs. Black Cohosh extract has shown promising results against breast cancer cells and it is regarded as safe to use black Cohosh in oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
Effective against fibroids and absent menstruation. The herb can be used for mental problems during menopause and PMS - premenstrual syndrome.
Especially effective during the menopausal period where a lot of women suffer from rheumatic pains and hypertension.
Used in the treatment of muscular rheumatism and nervous pains like sciatica. Can in some cases reduce tinnitus.
Precautions:
You should never use herbal medicine, if you suspect that your symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
If you do not feel a clear improvement within one month - contact a phytotherapist or a naturopath.
Contraindications:
Should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Must not be used by people with cardiac diseases.
Side effects:
An overdose can result in stomach problems and vomiting.
European health authorities have in 2006 put Black Cohosh under suspicion for damaging the liver. There is however no trustworthy scientific documentation to prove that Black Cohosh has a negativ effect on the liver. On the contratry Black Cohosh has proven harmless in numerous scientific studies and through many years use.
Source: American Botanical Council
Dosage:
1:2 Extract : 3 ml. or a spoonful a day. Take it with some water.
Extracts are strong - rinse with your favourite beverage.
Further fortification
Read about Salvia officinalis, Vitex agnus castus (especially in case of PMS), Hypericum perforatum, and Trifolium praetense.
Or ready-made complexes for women's problems.
Further information
www.phytotherapies.org