During the change of life, a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to an end and she passes the point where she is able to bear children. Sometimes this passage into the next phase of life can come with its share of irritating symptoms. Women going through menopause will be happy to know there are alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. It’s called black cohosh. Black cohosh not only helps women with hot flashes, it also has many other health benefits as well!
What is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is a perennial plant native to North America. It is a member of the buttercup family and it can be easily distinguished by its long stem of white blooms and rounded leaves.
Using Black Cohosh to Treat Menopause Symptoms
Women going through menopause often consider treating their hot flashes and loss of libido with hormone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, hormone replacement therapy can cause unwanted side effects that are troubling for some women. Black cohosh is a safe, natural alternative to HRT that has been use successfully by millions of women for hundreds of years.
Black cohosh works because of a compound called phytocrine, which helps a woman balance her own natural estrogen. This herb not only treats hot flashes but helps ease other symptoms such as irritability, vaginal dryness, night sweats, low libido, and insomnia associated with the change of life.
Black cohosh can be taken as a tea or in supplement form. Oftentimes, pre-packaged teas are a good way to try out a new natural remedy before taking the supplement. This is because pre-packaged teas come in a lower dosage than a supplement and can be experimented with for a few days or weeks to test for reaction or side effects.
Other Health Benefits of Black Cohosh
The health benefits of black cohosh don’t stop at treating menopausal symptoms. Even men can benefit from this natural healing herb.
Black cohosh also:
- Treats Male and Female Infertility
For men, black cohosh acts as an antioxidant that protects sperm from oxidative damage. For women, black cohosh tonifies the reproductive system and prepares the body for conception.
- Eases PMS Symptoms
In addition to treating menopausal women, black cohosh can also be used to ease PMS symptoms. It acts as a natural dieuretic to relieve bloating while calming feelings of irritability. Black cohosh even helps with menstrual cramps by acting as an anti-spasmodic.
- Provides Arthritis Pain Relief
Sufferers of any type of arthritis or other inflammatory condition can find relief with black cohosh. This is because this natural herb acts as an anti-inflammatory to soothe aching joints and muscles.
- Relieves High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and heart disease is a concern for millions of women. Black cohosh is reported to lower blood pressure by relaxing and opening blood vessels.
- Improves Digestion
Black cohosh can also be used as a natural digestive aid because it increases digestive juices naturally.
- Treats Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have irregular menstrual periods and often struggle with infertility. Other symptoms of this syndrome include diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and elevated blood pressure. Black cohosh can treat these symptoms effectively without the side effects of certain medications.
- Eases Respiratory Distress
Black cohosh may help ease the symptoms of common respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Provides Headache Relief
Women and men who suffer from chronic headaches may find relief in black cohosh. Taken as a tea, tincture or supplement, this medicinal herb can provide lasting headache relief.
Black Cohosh Contraindications
As with any natural herb, it’s important to realize there may be some side effects or negative drug interactions. If you are pregnant, do not take black cohosh as this could induce early labor. Women who are breastfeeding should speak with their doctor before using this medicinal herb. Furthermore, if you are taking hormone replacement therapy or are on any other type of prescription drug, do not use black cohosh or any other herb without first learning about the possible drug interactions.
Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, giddiness, and headaches.
For hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause, black cohosh is your safe, natural alternative to HRT. The effects can be felt in as little as four weeks. Whether you’re going through the change of life or are just trying to find a natural way to improve your fertility, give black cohosh a try!
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