Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

When used safely, this herb may playa role in healing. Because of its possible side effects, however, it should be used only with the approval and supervision of your physiclan. Several studies show its early advocates may have been right about the herb’s potential to treat gynecological problems.

Menstrual Discomforts. Black cohosh has estrogenic effects, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen. The herb’s estrogenic action may lend support to its traditional use for menstrual complaints.

Estrogenic herbs must be used carefully, however.

Estrogen is a key ingredient in birth control pills. Any woman whose physician advises her not to take the Pill may have to avoid using this herb as well. She should discuss black cohosh’s estrogenic activity with her doctor before using this herb.

Menopausal Discomforts - Estrogen is also prescribed for menopausal symptoms, and herbs with estrogenic action can be expected to have a similar effect on these symptoms. Today in Germany, where herbal healing is more mainstream than it is in the United States, black cohosh is a key ingredient in three drugs prescribed for discomforts of menopause. The German text Herbal Medicine says the drugs “appear to be effective … We can, in many cases, manage without hormones, though … success is not instant. The drug has to be given over some time…” These drugs are not available in the United States, but the herb itself is.

When used to treat menopausal discomforts, estrogen by itself may increase a woman’s risk of uterine cancer. Taking another female sex hormone, progesterone, minimizes this risk. Any woman considering using black cohosh for menopause should consult her physician about using the herb by itself or in conjunction with progesterone.

Prostate Cancer - Female sex hormones slow the growth of prostate tumors. Physicians often prescribe hormones similar to estrogen for men with prostate cancer. Black cohosh’s estrogenic action may help manage this cancer, but men with prostate cancer should consult their physicians before using it.

High Blood Pressure - A study published in Nature shows black cohosh reduces blood pressure by opening the blood vessels in the limbs (peripheral vasodilation). The herb may help manage high blood pressure, but consult your physician before using it for this purpose.

Intriguing Possibilities - One study shows black cohosh has anti-inflammatory activity, possibly explaining its Indian use as a treatment for arthritis. Another report shows it reduces animal blood sugar levels, suggesting possible value in controlling diabetes.
More study needs to be done to determine whether the herb will prove useful in treating these conditions.

Other preliminary animal findings point to possible antibiotic, sedative, and stomach-soothing action.

Rx for Black Cohosh

For a decoction, boil [12 teaspoon of powdered root per cup of water for 30 minutes. Let cool. It has an unpleasant aroma and a sharp, bitter taste. Add lemon and honey, or mix with a beverage tea. Take 2 tablespoons every few hours, up to I cup a day.

In a tincture, take up to 1 teaspoon per day.

Children under age 2 and people over 65 should start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.