Cimicifuga in Herbalist: Property of Cimicifuga

Scientific name

Cimicifuga racemosa L. Nuttall, sin. Actaea racemosa L.

Family

Buttercup

Origin

North America

Used Parts

Drug given by rhizomes and cimicifuga roots.

Chemical constituents

Triterpene glycosides (actein, deacetyl-actein, acteol, acetyl-acteol);
alkaloids;
Ferulic acid;
Isoferulic acid;
Salicylic acid;
Gallic acid;
Phytosterols;
Polyphenols;
Vitamins;
Minerals.

Cimicifuga in Herbalist: Property of Cimicifuga

The cimicifuga extracts are mainly used for the treatment of climacteric disorders, in particular hot flashes.

In this regard, see the article "Menopause, a natural approach".

Biological activity

The cimicifuga and the triterpene glycosides (in particular cimifugoside and acteina) contained in it are endowed with estrogenic activity. For this reason, the use of this plant is useful in case of menopausal disorders and in case of menstrual disorders.

More in detail, these triterpene glycosides are able to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone (or LH), whose levels are particularly high during the menopausal state.

Furthermore, it seems that the cimicifuga is also capable of exerting a relaxing action against uterine smooth muscles.

Finally, from some studies conducted on animals, it emerged that the cimicifuga also has interesting analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and mildly hypotensive properties.

Cimicifuga against menstrual disorders

Thanks to the estrogenic activity conferred by the triterpene glycosides contained in it, the cimicifuga can constitute a valid remedy in the case of menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea.

For the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the plant must be taken internally. Generally, we recommend taking a quantity of hydroalcoholic extract of cimicifuga corresponding to about 40 mg of drug.

Cimicifuga against menopausal disorders

As mentioned, thanks to its estrogenic action and its ability to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone, the cimicifuga is a particularly useful remedy in the treatment of menopausal disorders and associated symptoms, such as hot flushes, diaphoresis, mood disorders, difficulty concentrating and states of agitation.

Generally, if the plant's powdered rhizomes are used; we recommend taking about 40-200 mg of product per day.

If, on the other hand, dye is used (drug / solvent ratio 1:10, using 60% alcohol as an extraction solvent), then it is recommended to take 0.4-2 ml of product per day.

However, for more information about the uses of the cimicifuga in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, see the article on "Curing with the Cimicifuga".

Cimicifuga in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, cimicifuga is used for the treatment of various types of disorders, such as rheumatism, bronchitis, sore throat, fever and low back pain. Furthermore, traditional medicine uses this plant as a remedy against snake bites, as a sedative remedy and as an antidepressant remedy in association with hypericum.

The cimicifuga is also used in the homeopathic environment, where it can be found in the form of granules, mother tinctures and drops.

Homeopathic medicine uses this plant in case of menstrual disorders, excessively abundant and / or irregular menstrual flow, premenstrual syndrome, stiff neck, neuralgia, tendinitis, neck pain, back pain, headache, insomnia, depression and claustrophobia.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary greatly from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder that must be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that is intended to be used.

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Side effects

Migraine, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness (in high doses) may appear.

Contraindications

The use of the cimicifuga is contraindicated in case of ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components, in patients with estrogen-dependent tumors (current or past), during pregnancy and during lactation.