Herbal Medicine for Fertility: Black Cohosh

Among various kinds of infertility herbs, black cohosh is among the most widely-recommended. It refers to two kinds of herbs that are very similar to each other and belong to the same genus of botanical classification—Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa. Both these plants are a member of the buttercup family of plants and are native to the North American continent. Black cohosh is also referred to as:

  • Rattleroot
  • Macrotys
  • Bugwort
  • Rattletop
  • Bugbane
  • Rattleweed

History of Usage

During the early part of the 19th century, the use of black cohosh gained momentum in America. It gained acceptance as a home remedy for many types of problems including rheumatism, urinary problems and a wide range of gynecological issues. It was widely recommended for women struggling with infertility and typical conditions like an inflamed uterus and for easing labor pains.

Black cohosh was cultivated by the native Red Indians and used for treating snake-bites. Today, black cohosh is widely known as a multi-application herb that is particularly useful for treating female infirmity problems, and is used by natural medicine practitioners and herbalists across the world.

Black Cohosh and Female Reproductive Health

Black cohosh has a rare biochemical that is called fukinolic acid. This compound is known to have natural estrogenic activity. This means that when it is induced in the female metabolism, it stimulates the secretion of female fertility hormones like:

  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Black cohosh contains active compounds that have a chemical structure similar to cimicifugoside and actein. Both these compounds are known to have estrogenic activity, making them ideal for females suffering from infertility. Black cohosh also contains resins like cimicifugin, isoferulic acid and caffeic acid that are commonly found in premium health supplements recommended for boosting female reproductive health.

Black cohosh contains a high concentration of phyto-estrogens. These are potent compounds that are known to have a substantial estrogenic effect on the female metabolism. This makes black cohosh ideal for women struggling with menopause-induced infertility.

Black cohosh works by alleviating:

Menopausal Induced Infertility

Hot flashes are considered one of the main symptoms of menopause among women. Black cohosh has the ability to stimulate greater flow of blood to the pelvis and raise the serotonin levels in women. This induces a direct counteraction to the impaired secretion of hormones found in menopause-linked infertility. This helps to alleviate hot flashes and irregular menses associated with menopause.

Amenorrhea

Women suffering from this condition have impaired or an absence of menses. Such women need a booster to ensure that their uterine contractions and eventually, the ovulation process, are restored so that they can conceive. Black cohosh heals the menstrual irregularities including delayed or bloody periods. Women who have a history of blocked fallopian tubes are a bit vulnerable to suffering from amenorrhea. Here, black cohosh helps in the reinitiating uterine contractions and inducing greater dilation of the cervix. The herbal extract of cohosh inhibits unusual blood clotting that is often the underlying cause for delayed or absent menses.

Vaginal Problems

Black cohosh is among the rare herbs that have a noted effect on the vaginal tissue (epithelium). This herb can cure vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy that are the common difficulties among women trying to conceive beyond the recommended age. Women suffering from decreased libido tend to lack proper blood flow needed in their genitals to stimulate the secretion of female fertility hormones. Black cohosh alleviates such problems by inducing greater lubrication of the vagina. This also aids in sustaining libido, which in turn helps to stimulate the greater secretion of the required hormones.

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