Black Cohosh is a member of the buttercup family of perennial plants and produces beautiful flowers. The plant is native to the east and southeast regions of the United States. Long used by Native Americans to treat women’s health problems, the root of the black cohosh has been shown to have several health benefits.

Today, the primary use of black cohosh root is as a dietary supplement taken to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Extracts from the root have been tested and shown to have estrogen-like effects on the body. These effects reduce the occurrence of hot flashes and night sweats. Exactly how it works is still a mystery, but the fact that it does is indisputable.

Another benefit of black cohosh is its ability to relieve menstrual cramps. Many women experience severe cramping immediately before and during their periods. Taking small amounts of black cohosh root extract can reduce this cramping.

Black cohosh contains naturally occurring salicylic acid (aspirin). This makes it a good supplement to treat minor pains from arthritis or other problems that can cause swelling. Of course, if a person has a known allergy to aspirin, taking black cohosh will likely trigger an allergic reaction, and care is advised when considering the use of black cohosh in any way.

Another beneficial property of black cohosh when it is applied properly is that it can stimulate uterine contractions and help induce labor. Over the years, many nurse-midwives have used it successfully to induce labor without needing drugs or medications that could potentially harm the baby. Again, care should be used in administering black cohosh to a pregnant woman. Taking it too early during a pregnancy can induce a miscarriage. A medical professional should be consulted any time that one is considering the use of black cohosh root if even a chance of pregnancy exists.

In the past, the juice of the black cohosh plant has been used as an insect repellant and to treat snakebites.
The primary health benefit of the black cohosh root continues to be its effectiveness in controlling menstrual cramps and the many symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings are all relieved somewhat by using black cohosh root. Doctors continue to study this root to determine how it works. There are many indications that it works similarly to the hormone estrogen. Although the why and how it works are not fully understood, it is effective.

Because of the way black cohosh seems to mimic estrogen, care should be taken if using it concurrently with traditional hormone replacement therapy. The two may interact and one may keep the other from being as effective. Since other interactions are possible, seek advice from a medical professional before beginning a regimen of black cohosh to treat your symptoms and to avoid possible complications.