Therapy Description
Different approaches and methods can be selected to treat diseases and health conditions or relieve their signs. For example, menopausal symptoms can be addressed with the help of complementary, homeopathic, alternative medicine, or herbal therapy. Black cohosh, a perennial plant from the buttercup family, is well-known as an effective way for women experiencing menopause to feel better.
Initially, Native Americans used black cohosh for healing purposes. According to the National Institutes of Health (2020), they treated menstrual irregularities, sluggish labor, pneumonia, cough, fever, and musculoskeletal pain with the help of black cohosh. Later, Native Americans introduced this plant to European settlers, and the latter used it to improve females’ reproductive health (NIH, 2020). Rhizomes and roots are used to prepare dietary supplements, including dried extracts in pill form or liquid extracts.
Mechanism of Action
Interestingly, researchers are still uncertain about the exact chemical effects of black cohosh, and studies have different findings. For instance, some determine that the plant’s chemical compositions increase females’ estrogen levels, and others indicate that it impacts follicle-stimulating or luteinizing hormones (NIH, 2020). What is more, there is also evidence that black cohosh “might exert its effects through a brain-related action, such as modulation of serotonergic pathways” (NIH, 2020, para. 7). Lastly, it is supposed that the plant acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or an antioxidant.
Cost Analysis
Black cohosh supplements’ price on Amazon is approximately $18 for dried and $11 for liquid extracts (Amazon, 2023).
Risks and Benefits
As for some risks, one might mention that black cohosh is relatively safe. Mild side effects may involve weight gain, vaginal bleeding or spotting, a feeling of heaviness, headaches, and others, but such cases are rare. At the same time, people taking black cohosh supplements need to be aware that some commercial manufacturers add other components not listed on the label, and cases of liver damage are associated with consuming these products (NCCIH, 2020). It is not recommended for pregnant women and females with hormone-sensitive conditions to take black cohosh. Lastly, the primary benefit is that the plant relieves symptoms of menopause, such as vasomotor signs, tinnitus, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, and others.
References
Amazon. (2023). Black cohosh. Web.
National Institutes of Health [NIH]. (2020). Black cohosh. Web.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH]. (2020). Black cohosh. Web.