Benefits Of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is the name of an herbaceous perennial plant, which grows in eastern and central areas of the United States. In fact, it is native to eastern North America, from the extreme south of Ontario south to central Georgia, and west to Missouri and Arkansas. Often found in small woodland openings, the plant boasts of flowers with a distinctly sweet smell. As for its fruit, it comprises of a dry follicle, which is 5-10 mm long and contains several seeds. In the present times, the plant is known for its mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antipyretic, antifungal and antibacterial properties.

 

In the past, black cohosh was used by Native Americans as a part of their traditional folk remedies. They used to employ it in treating a number of medical problems, right from menstrual cramps and muscle pain to cough and indigestion. The juice of the plant was used as an insect repellent and even as a salve, to treat snake bites. Today, the fresh or dried roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of black cohosh are used in the medical field. They are easily available in drug stores as well as online, in the form of tea, capsule, tablet and liquid extract forms, with the active compound being 26-deoxyactein. 

 

Black cohosh has been associated with a number of health benefits. While some of them have been proven, others are still waiting for convincing evidence. In the following lines, we have listed all the benefits of black cohosh, proven as well as otherwise.