Black cohosh (Actaea recemosa) is an herb often used by Native American Indians for medicinal reasons and became an effective solution to women’s health concerns. It can be found from Canada to Tennessee and Missouri. It is perennial hence it can live for more than two years. It has a dark-colored rootstalk and grows up to 2.5 meters in height. It is topped by a long plume of white flowers.
Some health issues where black cohosh has been use include manifestations of menopause, difficult monthly cycle, pre-menstrual disorder, skin breakouts and osteoporosis (weakened bones). Black cohosh has also been used to treat anxiety, fever, sore throat, coughs, and even rheumatism. It was also believed that black cohosh, when applied on the skin, can help prevent skin aging. For a time, this plant was also used as insect repellant hence its nickname, bugbane.
The tea extracted from this plant has been well-recommended to treat sore throats. In traditional Chinese medicines, black cohosh has been used to reduce swelling or inflammation, relieve pain and lower fever temperature while North Americans used the herb for spasms and itching.
How does black cohosh treat anal fissure?
Anal fissure is a tear or crack in the anal tube. It is often caused by anal trauma such as childbirth, insertion of foreign objects in the anus, constipation and diarrhea. When a person experiences pain during bowel movements, sees blood on the tissue used or the stools, he is experiencing anal fissure. When the anal linings are aggravated, the muscles surrounding the anus (anal sphincter) go into series of spasms causing the pain during bowel movements. The pain could last for several hours depending on the aggravation in the anal tissues.
People still use black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) to treat anal fissure. This is because black cohosh roots contain chemicals that greatly affect the body’s immune system and help defend the human’s body against diseases. It can also help the body to reduce inflammation and is effective on uterine spasms. It acts as a mild sedative, relaxant, and anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation). It also contains glycosides or sugar compounds and isoferulic acids (can act as anti-inflammatory).
However, overdose of black cohosh can cause nausea, reduced pulse rate and increased perspiration, dizziness, nervous system and visual disturbances. There are some cases that use of black cohosh can prompt liver disorders. It is recommended that the dosage intake of black cohosh should be at minimal. The effects generally begin after two weeks of intake.
Caution: There are side effects when using black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) to treat anal fissure and other ailments. Excessive use of black cohosh can upset the stomach and cause intense headaches. Use of it may not be recommended for women who are pregnant, have or have had breast/uterine cancer and endometriosis (pelvic pain). It is also not advisable to use on children under 18 years old and people with allergies to aspirin. People who have been taking other medicines such as birth control pills, sedatives, or blood pressure medications, should consult their doctors first before using black cohosh.
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