Ranunculaceae Alterative Black cohosh

Ranunculaceae Alterative Black cohosh
Family:Ranunculaceae Alterative; Antidote; Antiinflammatory; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Birthing aid; Cardiotonic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Homeopathy; Hypnotic; Hypoglycaemic; Sedative; Tonic; Vasodilator; Women's complaints.
Common name:Black cohosh
Black cohosh is a traditional remedy of the North American Indians where it was used mainly to treat women's problems especially painful periods and problems associated with the menopause. A popular and widely used herbal remedy it is effective in the treatment of a range of diseases.The root is alterative antidote antirheumatic antispasmodic astringent cardiotonic diaphoretic diuretic emmenagogue expectorant hypnotic sedative tonic and vasodilator. It is harvested in the autumn as the leaves die down then cut into pieces and dried. The root is toxic in overdose it should be used with caution and be completely avoided by pregnant women. See also the notes above on toxicity.The medically active ingredients are not soluble in water so a tincture of the root is normally used. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism as a sedative and an emmenagogue. It is traditionally important in the treatment of women's complaints acting specifically on the uterus it eases uterine cramps and has been used to help in childbirth. Research has shown that the root has oestrogenic activity and is thought to reduce levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone thereby decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. The root is also hypoglycaemic sedative and anti-inflammatory. Used in conjunction with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) it is 78% effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal problems. An extract of the root has been shown to strengthen the male reproductive organ in rats. The root contains salicylic acid which makes it of value in the treatment of various rheumatic problems - it is particularly effective in the acute stage of rheumatoid arthritis sciatica and chorea. Its sedative action makes it useful for treating a range of other complaints including tinnitus and high blood pressure.The roots are used to make a homeopathic remedy. This is used mainly for women especially during pregnancy.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:27 []