Black Cohosh has been used in traditional herbal practices to relieve gynecological complaints ranging from PMS to menopause.

Black Cohosh contains estrogen-like compounds that show effectiveness in relieving some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal complaints. These estrogen-like compounds have a similar effect to the female hormone estrogen, which controls the menstrual cycle and declines after menopause.

Studies carried out in Europe in animals and humans suggest that constituents in black Cohosh suppress luteinizing hormone secretion which is associated with reduced menopausal hot flashes.

Black Cohosh is a valuable herb that has a powerful action as a relaxant. It is known as a nervine due to its influence over the nervous system. Black Cohosh is safe and fairly effective in the treatment of nervousness associated with menopause and is helpful for premenstrual discomfort and painful periods.

Recent studies have focused primarily on the relief of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and depression. There is also evidence that black Cohosh is beneficial for mood swings and vaginal dryness associated with menopause.

Due to the estrogen-like effect, check with your health care practitioner before taking Black Cohosh during pregnancy or lactation.

Botanical name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Black Cohosh is also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, rattleroot, rattleweed and bugwort.