Black Cohosh Tea
A Component of Women's Health
Found throughout the Northeastern portion of the United States and portions of Eastern Canada, black cohosh is a plant that grows abundantly in the woods. It is characterized by its small, distinctive white flowers, and has become widely recognized in the medical and alternative health communities alike for its effect on women's health. Black cohosh tea can be ingested as a remedy for a number of different ailments, but has been shown to be particularly effective in combating the symptoms of menopause. Some other names that it is known by include bugbane, squawroot, and bugwort.
Native Americans used black cohosh as an herbal remedy to treat snakebites and other inflammatory conditions, and its medicinal benefits have been extolled for hundreds of years. It was the main ingredient in a popular herbal women's remedy that circulated in the 1800's, known as the "vegetable compound." Today, women can drink black cohosh tea to receive the particular benefits it has in relieving the symptoms of PMS and menopause. It is uncertain how exactly black cohosh acts on the body's production of estrogen, but it seems to balance and restore estrogen levels somehow. Hormonal imbalance is the main source of many menopausal problems, including hot flashes and mood swings.
Because it has such a strong effect on hormone levels in women, it's advised that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid drinking black cohosh tea. It's always advised that you check with your healthcare professional before starting any regular medicinal routine, including ingesting this tea, though it is helpful for such a wide range of health issues. It has been shown to fight coughs, lower cholesterol levels, prevent osteoporosis, relieve muscle aches, and fight rheumatism. However, its real benefit comes from relieving menopause symptoms; including mood swings, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Although the exact mechanism behind black cohosh tea and its effectiveness has not yet been pinpointed, there are a number of active compounds that help make up its power. Salicylic acid, tannins, actein, and vitamin C have all been found in high quantities within the plant. To make a preparation of this tea, it's recommended to boil the roots of the black cohosh plant for about 20 minutes. There are also dried leaves, roots, powders, and teabags available to prepare the tea in areas where you cannot go out and pick the plant yourself. Many women choose to take herbal supplements in a pill form, but the act of drinking the tea can be quite soothing and aid in relief.