Due to hormonal changes, about 70% of all women in menopause (climacteric) experience psychological complaints such as mood swings and depression, as well as neurovegetative complaints such as an excessively high heart rate (tachycardia), sleep disorders, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Long-term effects may include increased osteoporosis and coronary heart disease.
Black cohosh is suitable for treating such menopausal symptoms, especially if they are psychological and neurovegetative in nature.
Black cohosh for menstrual pain and PMS.
Furthermore, the plant can also effectively treat period pain and premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual discomfort is a complex problem that occurs regularly in some women before the onset of menstruation and can last from four days to two weeks.
The symptoms that occur are varied and range from migraines, nausea and fatigue to cravings, cramps and skin changes.
Use in folk medicine
In folk medicine, black cohosh is also used for various women’s ailments. In addition, however, the plant is also used as a tonic, for coughs and for the treatment of rheumatism, dizziness, ringing in the ears and chorea (nervous disorder in which uncoordinated movements occur; also called St. Vitus’ dance).
Homeopathic use of black cohosh.
Homeopathically, the fresh rhizome along with the attached roots is used to treat rheumatic and spinal muscle pain, as well as spasm-related pain of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and gallbladder. Furthermore, in homeopathy, menopausal symptoms, nervous excitement states and depressive moods are treated with black cohosh.
Ingredients of black cohosh
The main ingredients of black cohosh include various triterpene glycosides such as actein and cimicifugoside. In addition, phenolic carboxylic acids, isoflavones, fukinoleic acid and cimicifugic acid F are also present.
Black cohosh: indication.
Indications for the use of black cohosh are:
- Menopausal symptoms
- Period pain
- Premenstrual discomfort
