In 1876 "Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound" was introduced for menstrual cramps. The main herb she used in her formula was black cohosh. "Cohosh" is an Indian word for "rough", and "black" refers to its dark roots.
The Indians would boil the gnarled roots and drink the decoction for fatigue, sore throat, arthritis and even rattlesnake bite! But it was still primarily used by Indian women for female complaints and childbirth.
Black cohosh does not contain the femaie estrogen hormone, but it does contain at least one chemical compound that has a similar structure. It is believed that the body easily converts this to the form of estrogen it requires to maintain normal body function.
Preliminary animal studies also show possible antibiotic and blood-sugar reducing action.
It's a leafy perennial reaching nine feet tall. Smooth stem with large, toothed, compound leaves and small multiple white flowers. Knotty black roots. Taste is bitter and acrid.
Common names: Black Snake Root, Bugwort, Bugbane, Fairy Candles, Macrotnys, Squaw Root, Rattleweed or Rattleroot, Rich Weed.
Habitat: Eastern North America, native America with Chinese relatives.
Parts Used: Rhizome and root.
When Harvested: Fall, after fruits have opened. Cut lengthwise to dry.
Medicinal Properties: Alterative, antirheumatic, astringent, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sedative, tonic.
Historical Uses: Arthritis, asthma, birth pains, bronchitis, cholera, convulsions, coughs, delirium tremors, diuretic, dropsy, epilepsy, high blood pressure, hysteria, female hormone, inflammation, insect bites, liver/kidney problems, lung difficulties, menstrual cramps, menopause, nerves, rheumatism, sedative, snake bites, "St. Vitus" dance, whooping cough.
Safety: This is one herb which must be used cautiously and in small amounts. It can have some negative effects. The FDA says that an excessive dose may cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, visual dimness, headache, tremors, joint pains, and depressed heart rate. For some, these effects may develop at relatively low doses. The first symptoms that you are taking too much black cohosh are likely to be a headache, light-headedness and dizziness. If these symptoms occur reduce the dose or discontinue using the herb.
It is important to realize that hormones must be BALANCED for good health. Since black cohosh contains compounds with estrogen-like effects, large doses over an extended period could cause problems. Pregnant women should not take estrogenic herbs like black cohosh (until its time to give birth, if needed). Also, those with congestive heart failure or peptic ulcers should not use them.
Note: Do not confuse with BLUE COHOSH. It also acts on the female glands and nervous systems of both sexes.
Please send E-mail to: joyful@best.com if you would like to order the item above or if you have any questions. You can phone your order to 530-878-1119 or 800-704-9800, fax it to 425-955-4639, or order from the secure online ordering system as well.
|
|
VISA, MasterCard, & American Express Accepted! |