BLACK COHOSH

Easy to identify thanks to its tall stalks and soft clusters of pearl-shaped buds and white flowers, black cohosh is a beautiful wildflower named for its black, gnarled root. Native to North America, it can be cultivated as an ornamental but has become better known for relieving symptoms associated with women’s health.
For more than 40 years, black cohosh root has been widely prescribed in Europe (and is approved in Germany) for premenstrual cramps, premenstrual discomfort, painful menstruation and menopausal symptoms. Herbal practitioners often recommend it for hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings and anxiety. It may also be an effective alternative for women who cannot (or prefer not to) take hormone replacement therapy. The naturally occurring compounds in this herb exhibit a broad range of activities, one of which may include estrogenic activity (although evidence is contradictory).

How to use: Take this herb in capsule, tincture or extract form. You can also drink it as a tea (brew 2 teaspoons chopped black cohosh root in 2 cups water for 10 minutes). Until further studies are conducted, some doctors only recommend short-term use of this herb, as well as avoiding the herb if you have a liver disorder or discontinuing use if you develop symptoms of liver trouble (e.g., jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain).

Read more: http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-remedies/medicinal-herbs-zm0z1401zpit.aspx#ixzz2pq1ZaYrV

Read more: http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-remedies/medicinal-herbs-zm0z1401zpit.aspx#ixzz2pq1L5Q2A