What are the benefits of black cohosh tea and what diseases can it treat? Many people are curious about this precious medicinal herb. To understand what diseases black cohosh can treat, refer to the following article to find your answers.
Benefits of Black Cohosh
1. Characteristics of Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is one of the valuable medicinal herbs in our country and many countries around the world. Depending on the region, people may refer to black cohosh by various names such as “bách giải”, “bạch vạn hoa”, “đồng triều”, “quả nâu”, and “dây gối”. Notably, black cohosh is also called the cancer plant due to its compounds that effectively support cancer treatment.
In our country, black cohosh grows naturally in the mountainous regions of the northern provinces like Hòa Bình, where the climate is cool. It is a climbing herbaceous plant, typically ranging from 3 to 10 meters in length. The stems of black cohosh are round and light gray when young, turning brown when mature, and gradually changing to green.
The leaves are oval, measuring only 5 to 7 mm in length. Black cohosh flowers are white and usually bloom at the tips of the branches. The fruit resembles an egg and is about 1 cm long, turning orange-yellow when ripe.
The compounds found in black cohosh are very effective in supporting cancer treatment.
2. What diseases can black cohosh treat?
“What diseases can black cohosh treat?” Numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of black cohosh. Therefore, it is a medicinal herb widely used in both Traditional Eastern Medicine and Western Medicine.
2.1. Support in treating tumors and cancer
As mentioned above, black cohosh is also known as the cancer plant because of its effective support in treating cancers such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. This efficacy is attributed to the compounds maytenfolone A, flavonoids, quinones, and saponins found in black cohosh:
- Flavonoids: They help slow down and combat the oxidation of free radicals that cause cancer and tumors. This protects the body from cancer-causing agents and damage from radiation.
- Quinones: They help liquefy cancer cells for easier elimination from the body. Together with flavonoids, these two compounds enhance the speed and effectiveness of tumor cell elimination.
- Saponins: They inhibit the growth of cancer cells while regenerating the structure of damaged cells, preventing malignant tumor metastasis.
2.2. Treatment of liver diseases
The active compounds in black cohosh have antiviral properties against hepatitis viruses such as hepatitis B, A, and C. Additionally, due to its ability to inhibit lipid processes, black cohosh is used to treat fatty liver disease. It also helps alleviate chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis.
2.3. Treatment for insomnia and nervous exhaustion
Thanks to its ability to clear heat and detoxify, black cohosh is considered an excellent remedy for insomnia and nervous exhaustion. When used, black cohosh reduces symptoms of dizziness and enhances blood circulation to the brain, preventing stroke.
2.4. Treating boils and skin ulcers
With its antibacterial, antiviral properties, and cooling effects, black cohosh can effectively support the treatment of boils and skin ulcers, reducing itchiness and speeding up wound healing.
Black cohosh is a remedy for boils and skin ulcers due to its antibacterial properties.
2.5. Enhancing immunity and treating other diseases
Black cohosh is an ingredient in several folk remedies used to treat spinal and joint diseases such as spinal degeneration, sciatica, herniated discs, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Moreover, it is also a valuable medicinal herb that helps stabilize blood sugar and blood pressure, prevent atherosclerosis, regulate blood circulation, and enhance immunity in the elderly to prevent illnesses.
3. How to use black cohosh and considerations
After understanding what diseases black cohosh can treat, knowing how to use it is also very important. There are various ways to use black cohosh, depending on the user’s purpose. Black cohosh can be used in both fresh and dried forms, with all parts of the plant being usable, including the stem, leaves, and branches.
- Using fresh black cohosh: Wash the leaves and stem of fresh black cohosh (about 50g of each part), then place them in a pot or kettle with 2 liters of water to brew.
- Using dried black cohosh: Decoction for drinking or steeping dried black cohosh leaves (about 20-30g) to obtain water for drinking throughout the day.
Note: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use black cohosh without consulting a doctor. Tea or decocted water from black cohosh leaves should only be consumed within the day and not stored overnight, as it may deteriorate and be harmful to health.
Thanks to the compounds maytenfolone A, flavonoids, quinones, and saponins, black cohosh is a medicinal herb used in both Eastern and Western medicine to support cancer treatment. Additionally, black cohosh is effective for liver diseases, joint and spine issues, nervous exhaustion, while also enhancing immunity and effectively promoting calmness.
