cimicifuge

Summary

Medicinal plant indicated to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes, is often presented in the form of standardized pills and capsules.

names

Portuguese name : St.
Kitts ‘s wort (St. punaises, cohosh noir English name: Black Cohosh German name: Traubensilberkerze Italian name: cimicifuga

Family

Ranunculaceae (Ranunculaceae)

Constituents

Triterpene glycosides (eg actein)

parts used

rhizome, root

Effects

Favors the production of estrogens, antirheumatic, stimulates menstruation, antidepressant.

Indications

– Alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the case of disorders and symptoms linked to the menopause or pre-menopause, typically in the case of hot flashes ( hot flushes ).

– In case of premenstrual syndrome or dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).

– Mild  depression

–  Arthritis  (possible effect)

 

Secundary effects

Various liver problems (yellowing).

Heads up! In case of liver problems (yellowing, pain, stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, darkened urine, fatigue…) during a treatment with cimicifuga, in general in the case of a long-term treatment, please stop the treatment immediately and ask for advice to your doctor.

contraindications

Liver disorders, pregnancy , breastfeeding.

Interactions

Please read the package leaflet and seek advice from a specialist.

Preparations

– Pills (based on St. Kitts rhizome extract)

– Capsules (based on St. Kitts rhizome extract). They are often capsules containing 40 to 200 mg of black cohosh rhizome).

– Cooking (for 1 cup, cook from 2 teaspoons of Saint Kitts roots or rhizome, in 500 ml of water. Recipe: Place the Saint Kitts in a pan containing 500 ml of cold water, bring the mixture to a boil and then leave it on a low heat at low boiling temperature for a few more minutes. Allow the mixture to cool and filter. Drink between half and one (1) cup, 2 to 3 times per day).

– Tincture (in case of menstrual pain, the dosage is often 1 to 2 ml, three (3) times a day)

Where does it grow?

St. Kitts wort is native to North America. It also grows in other temperate regions such as Europe.
The Saint Kitts herb is very fond of humid lands that are more hidden from sunlight. In general, flowers appear in mid-summer.
This plant can reach over two meters in height.

Comments

– St. Christopher’s wort can be a concrete alternative to hormone replacement treatments (HRT) in menopause and during pre-menopause. In general, black cohosh seems to cause fewer side effects than HRT. This plant is particularly indicated to reduce menopausal hot flashes.

Scientific effectiveness
– Clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of cimicifuga are sometimes contradictory, some studies prove its effectiveness, others claim the opposite. A special edition of the journal Science & Vie published in July 2020 estimated, based on clinical studies, that cimicifuga has proven effectiveness against menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, mood swings…). The journal Science & Vie also mentioned in its article that several contradictory studies have been published on the cimicifuga over the past 15 years. The European Committee for Herbal Medicines (HMPC) estimated in 2017 that the effect of cimicifuga was “well established”, it should be noted that few plants are entitled to this first level recommendation.

– St. Christopher’s wort was a plant used by the Amerindians, such as the Cherokee, to cure different diseases.

– A study published on June 21, 2016, in the specialized journal JAMA , showed that the use of medicinal plants such as soy , cimicifuga, red clover , certain plants of traditional Chinese medicine or molecules from plants such as isoflavones which are phytoestrogens was associated to a modest decrease in the frequency of hot flashes and lack of vaginal lubrication in menopausal women. In contrast, the effect of these plants or natural remedies on night sweats was negligible, according to the researchers.
This research work notably carried out by Erasmus University Medical Center, in Rotterdam (Netherlands), analyzed more than 60 studies published on this topic, totaling more than 6,00 women.

Jeanne Kenney
Website | + posts

I’m a stylist trainer, a content creator, and an entrepreneur passion. Virgo sign and Pisces ascendant, I move easily between my dreams, the crazy world I want, and my feet on the ground to carry out my projects.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *