You have to commend the ancient civilization for keeping track of all the herbs available to them. The truth is there are tons of herbs that originated from different countries, so it’s hard to keep track of all of them.
Ginseng and gingko biloba are among the popular herbs used by many.
However, there is another herb that deserves special attention and has been used for centuries: black cohosh.
If you notice, black cohosh is one of the ingredients in most, if not all female enhancement herbal formulas, including Provestra. This is because for centuries, ancient civilizations used this herb to address their issues down there.
Before you munch on black cohosh and include it in your everyday diet, here are some things you should know about this herb. Find out what it can do to help you get through menopause.
1. Black Cohosh Is A Medicinal Root
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Also known as bugbane or black snakeroot, black cohosh is a native herb in North America.
For centuries, this herb is one of the go-to guys of native North Americans in treating various illnesses, such as constipation, fatigue and sore throat.
This is because it contains phytochemicals that has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
Sometime in the 19th century, Americans started using black cohosh as a home remedy to induce menstruation. Over the years, black cohosh became a treatment for conditions related to women and their reproductive organs.
That’s not all. Black cohosh also helps treat skin conditions, such as acne and wart removal. This means you now have a cheaper alternative, too.
2. Black Cohosh Root Has Phytoestrogens
Here’s the truth: at one point in your life, your hormones will mess up and cause you to experience things you wished wouldn’t happen, even once in your life.
Blame it on the aging process, lifestyle and even your genes, but at some point, hormonal imbalances will be so common, you will need some sort of outside help.
Thankfully, there are phytoestrogens. Although weaker in nature, they mimic the estrogen hormone, which is naturally produced by your body. However, the best way to get this is by increasing your intake of estrogenic foods such as grains, fruits and vegetables.
What If You Want The Easier Way Out?
Believe it or not, even black cohosh has phytoestrogens, which mimics the naturally occurring estrogen hormones in your body.
The good news is it can help maintain balance of hormones to prevent one from taking over another.
Aside from phytoestrogens, this root also has glycosides, which is helpful in suppressing hormones that cause the decrease of estrogen. At least you don’t have to worry about imbalances anymore, which can be of great help during the menopausal stage.
3. Black Cohosh Can Provide Relief For Menopause Symptoms
Admit it, ladies. You dread the day when you will have to deal with menopause.
Even if you’ve found the fountain of youth, menopause will find a way to pay a visit – no matter what you do.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to suffer from the consequences. The good news is, there is a cost-effective way to feel relieved against this unwanted symptoms that come with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitation and sleep problems.
Say Hello To Black Cohosh
First, this herb can cause an estrogenic effect, which means it can mimic the effects of estrogen in your body.
Second, since black cohosh has an estrogenic effect, it can help relieve any symptoms associated with menopause, since it strikes a balance in your hormone levels.
Therefore, the effects of hormonal imbalances such as vaginal dryness or lack of libido is reduced.
If you are not too convinced, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that this herb could help women with menopause symptoms when taken for six months or less. Not bad, right?
4. Black Cohosh Can Work Its Magic On The Vaginal Area
You already know that this herb has a big impact on your hormones. Keep in mind that any imbalance in your hormone levels can cause vaginal dryness and other uncomfortable symptoms in case your husband wants to have some sexy time. The question now is what this herb can do on your area down south.
The answer is simple. Black cohosh changes the activity and structure of your vaginal tissues.
This means that this herb can affect the vaginal epithelium or the thin layer of tissue that covers glands, organs and other structures within your body and make it more sensitive, which can be useful in the bedroom.
However, there are studies that show that taking black cohosh after six months caused no changes in the vaginal area.
Does this mean black cohosh is not effective down there? Not necessarily. Women are different, and the effects of certain herbs and medications are different. What works for you may not work for others, and that is one of the factors you need to consider.
5. Black Cohosh Should Be Taken With Caution
Black cohosh can help relieve menopausal symptoms, period. However, this does not mean you should take this herb for as long as you want, or even during the entire time you are dealing with menopause.
Remember this: Experts are still trying their best to uncover the mysteries behind this native North American root.
Since further studies must be done to show that black cohosh is safe for everyday use, make sure that you take this herb for six months or less, with 20 to 40 milligrams of tablet taken twice a day.
If you want it longer, then make sure you get regular checkup to see if there are any changes especially in your hormones.
You have to be careful on this one, because too much estrogen can increase the risk of uterine or breast cancer – and you don’t want that.
6. Black Cohosh Is Not Exempt From Side Effects
You might think that since black cohosh is an herb used by people for centuries, it is safe to use. Generally speaking, yes, this root is safe. However, this doesn’t mean it comes without side effects. In fact, this herb can cause headaches, mood changes and stomach discomforts.
Black cohosh is not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you are also planning to get pregnant, then avoid this root at all costs.
You need to be healthy. Despite being a medicinal root, black cohosh is not exactly an essential herb you need during pregnancy and breastfeeding stage.
Aside from this, black cohosh should not be combined with hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills or tamoxifen.
If you are allergic to aspirin, have liver disorders or experience any liver trouble symptoms like abdominal pain or jaundice, then stay away from this herb, too. There are limited information as to the effect of black cohosh on the liver, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Black Cohosh And Its Effect On The Uterus
Black cohosh has an impact on your vaginal area. Therefore, it only follows that it has an effect on your uterus, as well.
Keep in mind that menopause comes with a thinning of the uterine lining, also called as endometrium.
Despite being a staple ingredient in many female enhancement pills, there are no human studies that prove the herb’s effects on the uterus.
However, experts conducted a study on immature female mice and the effect of black cohosh. They found out that the herb increased the uterine weight and growth of cancer cells – which is actually an estrogenic effect. Which leads you back to the question, is black cohosh safe?
Generally, yes, especially when you use it properly. Again, every woman is different and if you feel your body is not responding well to the herb, then stop.
8. Be Careful When Buying Black Cohosh Supplements
There are no food sources for black cohosh, period. Therefore, the best way to get enough black cohosh is by taking supplements, consumed either in capsules or as a tincture.
When buying black cohosh pills, make sure you are getting it from reliable and trusted manufacturers.
There are many fly by night companies who claim to do this and that and its primary purpose is to extort money from you.
Although further studies are needed, it cannot be denied that this herb can help you as you deal with menopause symptoms. So before you truly say this is effective, make sure you are getting pills only from the best.
9. Black Cohosh May Or May Not Work For You
Here’s the truth ladies, every woman is different. When it comes to menopause, what you experience and the treatments you try until you find what works for you, might not work for others.
In other words, black cohosh is not effective on all women. You can give it a try, but make sure you get the go ahead signal from your doctor.
This way, you can minimize possible complications or risks and at the same time, help you go through the tricky menopause stage smoothly.