Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), not to be confused with blue cohosh, has been linked to several menopause-related symptoms, including night sweats, mood swings, and hot flashes. A member of the buttercup family, black cohosh is a plant native to North America. People use it as a dietary supplement for a multitude of menopausal symptoms, but also for premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and to induce labor. According to Dr. Christiane Northrup, the former president of the American Holistic Medical Association, most American women reach menopause between 45 and 55 years of age, but symptoms associated with menopause may begin at least ten years prior. Cue the black cohosh!
Backstory
Black cohosh was used by Native Americans and Europeans ages before the New World was settled. Natives used it for everything from arthritis and snake bites to menstruation pains. They even used it for coughs and other pulmonary conditions.
First listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1830 under the name “black snakeroot,” black cohosh was introduced to the medical community in 1844 when Dr. John King prescribed it for rheumatism and nervous disorders. Over the past 40 years, black cohosh has been used in Europe as an herbal pharmaceutical by more than 1.5 million women.
How does black cohosh work?
Aside from hormonal factors, poor diet is sure to negatively affect the intensity and duration of hot flashes while experiencing menopause. A diet filled with carbs, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and lack of exercise can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
While how exactly it works is still being researched, it is probably that a component of black cohosh is interacting with a part of the estrogen-signaling pathway, but not the estrogen receptors. According to Healthy Beginnings, this gives the benefit of some of estrogen’s good effects, without the negative ones.
Beyond the menopause
Since black cohosh exerts positive effects on the brain and our bones, interestingly enough, menopausal women can benefit from using this supplement long-term, as it can prevent osteoporosis and mental changes. Meanwhile, in perimenopausal women it can prevent symptoms of PMS, menopausal symptoms, and future bone issues.
Options
The root or rhizome of the black cohosh plant is used in herbal preparations and is sold as the dried root--in capsules, tablets, and as an extract. This leaves you with an array of formats to sell to your customers! We are experts in all things dietary supplements. This is where Makers Nutrition, your premier private labeler, comes in! Call to discuss graphic design, labeling, and fulfillment. We can make your brand shine on shelves within days!
Warning
Before advising your customers to take any black cohosh, be sure to remember the health precautions that should be taken. Certain supplements should not be taken in combination with black cohosh, while certain health conditions limit the supplements people should take, so please be aware.
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