Black Cohosh Tea

Black cohosh tea is a herbal beverage that is made from the extracts of the thick knotty roots of black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family. It normally has a bitter taste, but its medicinal properties have gained the tea widespread popularity.

History

Bearing long roots and enormous green leaves, its root was first used by Native American Indians for treating ailments ranging from gynecological to sore throats, joint pain, and snake bite. European settlers later unearthed its medicinal properties when they came to America.  Thus, the tea was widely used to treat rheumatoid and nervous disorders in the 19th century.

Black cohosh tea benefits: What is it good for

To induce labor

Some claim black cohosh to have labor inducing properties, like red raspberry tea. However, it only works when it is used along with another herb called blue cohosh. Together they are believed to strengthen and regulate uterine contractions during post-term pregnancy, especially when one has irregular contractions. But there are no adequate studies that prove it to be safe or effective.

Estrogenic properties

In menopause

Women have less estrogen produced in the body during menopause. Hence, when the tea is taken, the presence of phytoestrogens like triterpenes, acetin and formonetin resembles the action of estrogen produced in the body which might be useful in reducing the symptoms like hot flashes, and mood swings. The chemical constituent, isoflavones may counter hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Regulating menstruation

Black cohosh may also be helpful in making periods regular. Most of the problems women face during menstruation occur due to hormonal misbalance. A large quantity of estrogen released during the follicle stage results in bloating, cramps, headache. By getting bound  to the estrogen receptors, much weaker phytoestrogens help to cast off the stronger estrogens and consequently much weaker levels of estrogen help in decreasing the symptoms.

The same property of black cohosh tea may help fertility problems like amenorrhea or absence of menstrual periods. Since the tea helps to diminish somewhat the effects of having too much estrogen in the body, it might help in shrinking uterine fibroids as well.

Helping respiratory distress

It’s anti-inflammatory, decongestant, astringent properties make it successfully minimize bronchitis, respiratory tract infection, asthma, cold, nasal congestion.

Studies have shown it to have properties of reducing bad cholesterol and strengthening the arteries.

Black cohosh tea safety and precautions

Side effects

It usually has no adverse effect when taken in moderate amounts. However, drinking the tea in greater quantity may cause a headache, nausea, and tremors. In extreme cases, some also encounter diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and drop in blood pressure.

During pregnancy

Taking the tea in early pregnancy is shown to increase the risk of miscarriage. Hence, it is not advisable to take it during the initial stages of pregnancy.

How to make

• Take a cup of water in a bowl
• Add one teaspoon of the tea to it
• Boil the tea for 3 minutes
• You can add your preferred sweetener to the light yellow beverage before drinking

If you want a stronger tea with better healing properties, boil the tea for 20-30 minutes, and you will get a dark and bitter tea that can be sweetened with sugar or honey.

Where can I buy black cohosh tea

Health stores may sell it in tea form, or you can buy it online as loose root tea or in tea bags.