What is Black Cohosh?

Black Cohosh is member of the Ranunculaceae, or buttercup family, found in most parts of North America from Ontario down to Georgia. It has been used independently by many tribes as a traditional Native American remedy for certain women’s conditions such as PMT symptoms, hot flashes and menstrual cramps, and also for arthritis, coughs and gastric problems. Its juice was also put to use as remedy for snake bites, a probable reason for its original official name of ‘black snakeroot’.

It is, in fact, the root and rhizome of the plant that are used,  and in addition to its modern use in treating women’s problems such as the effects of pre-menstrual tension, and menopausal and gynecological problems, it is also highly regarded as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as for nervous disorders.

It is now widely used in North and South America, Europe and Asia for a wide variety of female health problems, and is attracting increasing interest by women seeking an alternative therapy to the drug-based medications currently being prescribed to them.

Look for black cohosh at your local or internet health food store.  Always choose name brands like Solaray and Enzymatic Therapy to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.