Herbs
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)
| A.K.A.: |
Black Snakeroot, Bugbane |
| Part Used: |
Root |
| Properties: |
Alterative, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Nervine, Oxytocic |
| Primary Nutrients: |
Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Sulphur, Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, K, F, Zinc |
| Primary Uses: |
Asthma, Bites/insect/snake, Bronchitis, Childbirth Pain, Diarrhea, Epilepsy, Estrogen Deficiency, Fevers, Hormone Imbalance, Hot Flashes, Inflammation, Lung Disorders, Malaria, Menopausal Symptoms, Menstrual Symptoms, Spinal Meningitis, Stings/bee, Tuberculosis, Whooping Cough |
| Secondary Uses: |
Arthritis, Back Pain/lower, Blood Impurities, Blood Pressure/high, Cholera, Convulsions, Coughs, Cramps/uterine, Gastric Disorders, Headaches |
Research studies show black cohosh is beneficial for treatment of peri- and post- menopausal symptoms, and is often used as an alternative to hormone therapy. (see caution below) Black cohosh been used for many other ailments: excess mucus, yellow fever, spinal meningitis, nervousness, epilepsy and hormone imbalance. Research also supports its use for nervous conditions, irritability, TB, pleurisy and tinnitus.
- Works directly on and calms the nervous system.
- Promotes menstruation, relieves menstrual cramps, and has been employed for the after-pains of delivery.
- Breaks up mucus and phlegm deposits.
- Used as an herbal sedative. It is reported to be good for medulla oblongata damage, caused by hallucinogenic drugs.
- Contains natural estrogen, the female hormone, and is a specific for female problems.
- Black Cohosh is also used in nervine combinations and for nervous conditions in men.
- Helps reduce hot flashes and contracts the uterus and increases menstruation when it is sluggish.
- Stimulates the secretions of the liver, kidneys and lymph system.
- A poultice can be used for all kinds of inflammation.
- Equalizes blood circulation.
- Acts directly on the lungs, heart, stomach, kidneys and the reproductive organs.
- A mild cardiac tonic, especially on fatty hearts.
- Slightly lowers the heart rate, while increasing the force of the pulse.
- If taken in larger amounts than needed, can cause a headache at the base of the skull.
CAUTION: NOT TO BE TAKEN DURING EARLY PREGNANCY, EXCEPT IN COMBINATION WITH HERBS. (Check with your Health Care Practitioner if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant) IT CAN BE USED FOR FINAL WEEKS OF PREGNANCY, BUT ONLY TO EASE AND/OR INDUCE LABOR.
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