Black Cohosh – the name conjures up visions of mysterious lands and herbal healing. First discovered and utilised by Native Americans two centuries ago. It is a tall, shadowed plant that grows in rich thickets of words. Black cohosh contains the active ingredient Triterpine glycosides, which helps relieve painful menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Today, Black Cohosh is widely used throughout the United States, Europe and Asia by those who want a more natural and Ayurvedic approach to women’s health.
This is because Black Cohosh is a source of vitamins and chemicals that can positively influence different parts of a woman’s body and women’s health – in short, it helps the immune system fight off infections, decreases inflammation throughout the body, and even supports the optimisation of the nervous system. But the biggest benefit of Black Cohosh is its support during times of menopause, let us understand how.
Supports Women’s Health through Menopause
Menopause occurs with almost every woman between the ages of 45-55, with an average age of 50. Typically, a woman is declared by doctors to have menopause if she has not had her menstrual cycle for over 12 months. Many women with menopause will experience at least three-four of the following symptoms:
- Hot Flashes
- Night Sweats
- Chills
- Mood Changes
- Sleep Cycle Disturbances
- Weight Gain
- Hair Thinning
Out of these two, hot flashes and night sweats appear to be the most common symptoms. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat along your upper body, intense over the chest, neck and face. A hot flash can be followed by sweating, and if you lose too much body heat, you feel chilled afterwards. These are night sweats, which happen at night and they may disrupt your sleep.
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Menopause is triggered by the body’s making lower levels of estrogen and progresterone, the two primary reproductive hormones in a woman’s body. While earlier, doctors treated menopause primarily with hormone replacement therapy, they now look for healthier, more natural and safer treatment options. Enter Black Cohosh.
A study from the University of Maryland Medical Center confirmed the effectiveness of Black Cohosh in relieving menopausal symptoms. This study reported that black cohosh improved the night sweats and hot flashes of over 120 women, more effectively than an allopathic drug. A 2010 study further revealed that women who took black cohosh during their menopause had a 26% reduction in night sweats and hot flashes.
OZiva Plant Based HerBalance for Menopause contains Shatavari, along with 20 other plant-based wholefoods to assist in hormonal balance, support a smoother transition to menopause, and support better vaginal health. In the product, Black Cohosh supports hormonal balance, and helps reduce hot flashes. Aside from these two benefits, adding it to your regime can have numerous benefits.
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Helps Improve Sleep Cycle
Even outside of menopause, insomnia and poor sleep are becoming increasingly common. Millions of people have reported that they have trouble “switching off their brain” at the end of a long, tiring day. Some studies have confirmed that Black Cohosh can help as a sleeping aid, and also help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
In a 2015 study, two groups of women participated, where one was given a placebo and the other group took Black Cohosh over a six-month period. The study concluded that taking black cohosh over a six-month period helped greatly improve women’s sleep.
Can Help During Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a complex disorder of the endocrine system, which is the most common disorder among women of reproductive age (18-40). Up to 23% of women in this age group can experience and suffer from PCOS. Symptoms of PCOS include debilitating stomach pain, bloating, strong headaches, or fatigue. A 2014 study placed women on a program of herbal medicine, which included Black Cohosh. This study concluded that taking herbal medicine that contains Black Cohosh can improve PCOS symptoms over a six month period, if combined with a clean lifestyle, balanced diet, and exercise.
OZiva Plant Based HerBalance for PCOS contains 21 plant-based wholefoods to help reduce and manage PCOS symptoms, including Black Cohosh, which helps in hormonal balance.
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Helps Lower Bone Loss in the Body for Women’s Health
Osteoporosis affects millions of people around the world, especially women. When bones become fragile and soft (often due to age), it can lead to many injuries or possible bone breakage. It is important to treat osteoporosis immediately when it is first recognised, as bone health is a huge part of women’s health. While it is very difficult to reverse osteoporosis, the damage can be minimised with the help of Vitamin D, Magnesium or Boron. Black Cohosh may also be beneficial here.
A 2007 study revealed that Black Cohosh can help prevent bone loss, and another 2010 study also revealed that Black Cohosh could help improve bone strength.
OZiva Plant Based HerBones contains Black Cohosh, which helps balance hormones, especially estrogen (which also plays an important part in women’s long-term bone health), thus helping to control early-onset osteoporosis in older women, if taken consistently.
Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety plagues millions of people and comes with various symptoms. While many people turn to prescription drugs to get them through it, Black Cohosh can be a healthier and more natural option that can also prevent pill dependency and is safe for long-term usage. A 2007 study revealed that Black Cohosh can help people with anxiety and depression.
Ask your Doctor if Black Cohosh is Safe for Women’s Health
Now that you have read all about Black Cohosh’s numerous benefits, especially for women with menopause, you might consider taking it. Black Cohosh is still under study in many parts of the world, and even more possible benefits for women’s health could exist. Its side effects could include a possible headache, although chances of it are extremely minimal.
Even though numerous studies support the benefits of Black Cohosh to help manage PCOS, anxiety, bone loss and more, take it with care. Consult your doctor before taking it for women’s health, or taking any supplements containing it, especially women who are pregnant, lactating, on birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or any blood pressure medication. Read more here on other vitamins.
Last modified: August 2, 2023
