What Are Black Cohosh Vitamins?
Black Cohosh is an herb that is available to the public as a vitamin supplement. As it is not a drug there is no regulation by the Food and Drug Administration so its effectiveness could vary according to the brand. Black Cohosh has a long history in America of being used for herbal healing purposes. This herb has been the focus of much attention among herbalists and those who practice alternative medicine.
Facts
Black Cohosh can also be known as Actae racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa. It's a perennial native American plant belonging to the Buttercup family. It's also known as Snakeroot or Rattleweed. It's been reported that as early as the 19th century, Native Americans harvested the herb from as far north as Canada all the way down to Georgia. Native American used Black Cohosh to treat women who were having menstrual problems. It was also used to treat sore, achy throats and even rheumatism.
Harvesting Black Cohosh
The main extracts from the Black Cohosh plant that are used for preparation in vitamins and supplements come from its roots and rhizomes, or underground stems. When these parts are harvested they are then dried. After drying, they are added to the supplement formulas and then created into tablets.
Uses
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists has a published pamphlet for patient education that lists the Black Cohosh supplement as one of the herbs regularly used to treat three symptoms of menopause. These include hot flashes caused by hormone levels changing in the body, sleep disorders, like insomnia, and depression.
Other Vitamin Ingredients
While Black Cohosh may be the sole ingredient in some of these vitamins, depending on the brand, other ingredients may be included. One beneficial ingredient that may be found is isoflavones. Isoflavones is a soy product that may encourage the production of estrogen in the female body. It may also reduce the chances of having cancer. This supplement can also include ingredients like tannins that give the supplements pigmentation.
Warnings
There are no known drug interactions involving Black Cohosh. However, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take the supplement. Also, taking large amounts of Black Cohosh can induce light-headedness, stomach cramps and nausea. A few users of the herb have reported liver problems that may be linked to its usage.
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