Page 163 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

more before benefits are noticed. The root is used me-
Black Cohosh, dicinally.
Actaea racemosa Menopause, Menstrual Problems, Im-

proved Ovulation, and PCOS: Black Cohosh
I find black cohosh to be a very valuable herb for men- works to balance hormones in women, helping to re-
opause, and I rarely use it for other uses, except as a lieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes,
supplementary herb. It balances hormones, which moodiness, night sweats, headaches, heart palpita-
helps many conditions without curing them. Black co- tions, vaginal dryness, and mental fog.
hosh is in the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) Family.
Black cohosh is native to eastern North America. It is It is also used for menstrual problems, painful inter-
found as far south as Georgia and west to Missouri/Ar- course, decreased sex drive, and Polycystic Ovary Syn-
kansas and the Great Lakes region. It grows wild in drome (PCOS) and has been shown to improve ovula-
small woodland openings. tion in women.
Osteoporosis:
By balancing hor-
mones, black co-
hosh reduces bone
loss caused by os-
teoporosis in
women.

Reducing Anx-
iety and Aiding
Sleep: Black co-
hosh has a sedative
effect that calms
the nervous system
and reduces anxi-
Identification: Black cohosh is a perennial with
large compound leaves that grow from its rhizome. It ety. It promotes
grows up to 2 feet (0.6m) in height with distinctive ser- restful sleep.
rated basal leaves that can be 3 feet (0.9m) long, grow- Digestive Black Cohosh Inflorescence, H. Zell, CC by
ing in sets of 3 leaflets. Flowers bloom from June to Problems: For SA 3.0
September on an 8-foot tall stem, with racemes (flower digestive problems, crush a small piece of black cohosh
clusters) up to 20 inches (50 cm) long. These white root and boil it in a small amount of water. Drink the
flowers occur in tight clusters with a white stigma sur- water to relieve stomach pain and intestinal problems.
rounded by long stamens. It helps improve digestion and elimination and pre-
The flowers have no petals or sepals. A distinguishing vents gastric ulcers. Black cohosh is only moderately
feature is the sweet, putrid smell of the flowers that at- effective for other digestive problems. There are better
tracts flies, gnats, and beetles. The fruit is a 1/4-inch to remedies out there.
1/2-inch (0.74 cm to 1.25 cm) long dry follicle contain- Warning: People who are allergic to aspirin, have
ing several seeds. liver problems, have issues with seizures, or have a

Medicinal Use: I mainly use black cohosh root for high risk of blood clots or stroke should not use black
menstrual problems and menopause, although it is cohosh.
also useful for digestive problems and as a sedative. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women with en-
The best benefits are achieved when black cohosh is dometriosis, uterine cancer, or breast cancer should
taken regularly long-term. Often it takes a month or not take black cohosh.

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