Black Cohosh

Scientific name: Actaea racemosa

Common Names: black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, macrotys, rattleroot, rattleweed

Description:

Black cohosh is a wild plant native to North America and is related to the buttercup family,
peony and larkspur.  

The fresh or dried roots and underground stems are commonly used to treat a wide range of
ailments like rheumatism, arthritis and muscle pain.  It is also a traditional remedy for
menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome and gynecological conditions like menopausal
symptoms (hot flashes, palpitations, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can
occur during menopause). The stems and roots of the black cohosh are made into strong infusions
(teas), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or tinctures (liquid extracts).

Parts used: roots and underground stems

Medicinal properties:

Black cohosh contains aromatic acids, salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory), isoflavones,
formononetin, triterpene glycosides, acetin and 27 deox yactein, tannins, resins and fatty acids

Controls the symptoms of menopause:

    Headaches
    Hot flashes
    Mood changes
    Sleep problems
    Heart palpitations
    Night sweats
    Vaginal dryness

Ease PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, uterine and ovarian pains

Induce labor

Relieve arthritis pain

Lowers blood pressure - components in black cohost can dilate peripheral blood vessels and lowers

blood pressure.

Antispasmodic to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels

Anti-inflammatory

Black cohosh is an emmenagogue which is an agent that promotes menstrual or uterine bleeding.


Counterindication and Side effects:

Side effects from black cohosh which occur in high doses include:
Upset stomach
Headaches
Prolonged use may cause liver disorder

Counterindicated in the ff:

Pregnant women unless used to induce labor
Women with Endometriosis
Women with Breast cancer
Women with Uterine cancer
Children under 18
People with liver disease
People with high risk of stroke or blood clots
People with seizure disorders
People allergic to aspirin
  
Black cohosh is different for blue cohost(Caulophyllum thalictroides) and the 2 should not be
confused.

Disclaimer:

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS AND AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

PARSLEY

Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum

Description:

Also known as “rock celery” and belongs to the Umbelliferae family of plants.

One of the world's most popular herb. It is a biennial plant that grows in most climates and is readily available throughout the year.

Parsley has flavonoids that act as anti-oxidants. It is also rich in vitamins A and  contains more vitamin C (approximately three times as much as oranges). It is a good source of manganese (2.7mg per 100g), calcium (245mg per 100g) and iron (5.5mg per100g (4oz).

Medicinal Uses:

Eating raw parsley mitigate risks of atherosclerosis  because it cleanses the blood, dissolves sticky deposits in veins, maintains elasticity of blood vessels.

It settles the stomach and improves the appetite.

Parsley contains some components of the female hormone estrogen and it has been used to treat women who suffer from problems such as irregular menstruation.

Parsley is effective for nearly all kidney and urinary complaints. It acts as a diuretic and helps improve edema, ease fatigue and scanty or painful urination.

Parsley is also good as a topical remedy for bruises. Crush some parsley leaves and apply straight to the affected area.

Chewing parsley prevents bad breath as well!

When checking for parsley benefits and side effects it is still best to consult your doctor and seek medical advice.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.