Semester 4, Week 3, Day 5

Breakfast is done.  I need to get dishes done.  I have laundry going. I looked at my grades from my interview yesterday and am trying to decide where to focus today.  I got a 74 on my interview.  I lost points, among other things, because my kids were present.  Apparently the instructor didn't read my introduction in that first week because they are ALWAYS present unless I can luck out and they both take a nap, a bigger miracle being they nap at the same time.  I also forgot to mention a few things so I'm going to write a script.  Also, the feedback form provided by the class didn't line up with the interview process so I got docked for "not understanding the form". My solution? I'm going to write a script for the things I need to say up front and draw up a feedback form that actually makes sense.  I will not be happy if I end up failing because I committed the crime of being a MOM. I looked at the graduation page and, even though they keep sending me e-mails, I can't actually apply until I have all my grades in. It will cost $50 per degree/certificate.  I will be adding the certificate of herbal safety since the classes for my masters includes those that are required for this certificate. In all, it will cost the same to graduate as it did for my bachelors.  Not a bad deal!  I'm gong to go get those dishes done then decide where today's focus should be.  Love and Light!

On to black cohosh!

Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Petersen (2018) says phytosterin fukinolic acid which inhibits neutrophil elastase (important in anti-inflammatory action), isoferulic, caffeic acid and salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, triterpene glycosides (acetein, cimicifugoside) and 27-deoxyactein (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononentin) and isoferulic acid (p. 79).

Therapeutic Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive (Hoffman, 2003, p. 0539). Emmenagogue helps the female reproductive system and the anti-spasmodic action really helps focus on those menstrual cramps. Petersen (2018) says abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, and emmenagogue (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, sedative, antirheumatic, estrogenic, and expectorant (p. 79).

Indications: Relaxant and normalizes the female reproductive system. Painful or delayed menstruation. Relieves cramps. May also treat arthritis, rheumatic pain, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain. Neurological pain to include sciatica, and neuralgia. May help with tinnitus. Menopause – hot flashes, headache, vertigo, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, and psychological issues like irritability, sleep problems, and depressive mood (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539).  Ulbricht (2010) includes vaginal dryness in the symptoms of menopause that can be treated with this herb. She sates the evidence is mixed but 6 months of use may be effective (p. 129). Petersen (2018) says this is used for menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood changes, diaphoresis, palpitations, vaginal dryness), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, nerves, dyspepsia, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, cough, and a mild diuretic. Skin conditions are acne, mole and wart removal, rattlesnake bites, and rejuvenation of the skin (p. 48). Petersen (2018) also lists medicinal uses on page 50 which are: anxiety, arthritis, back pain, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), breast cysts, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenopausal symptoms, sedation, and vaginal atrophy.

Safety: As long as it’s used as directed, it’s safe. Don’t use it during pregnancy except to assist with birth (Hoffman, 2003, p. 540). Ulbricht (2010) says high doses may cause headache, dizziness, perspiration, or visual disturbances (p. 130). Mills and Bone (2000) extrapolate on the higher doses by saying 5g of the herb or 12g of the extract fluid cause nausea, vomiting, violent headache, vertigo, joint pain, red eyes, weak pulse, visual and nervous disturbances (p. 271). Petersen (2018) says it’s likely safe to use up to 6 months consecutively (p. 49). Petersen (2018) says the Commission E says there are no contraindications but it may be unsafe during pregnancy due to hormonal effects and it’s menstrual and uterine stimulation.  It may also be additive to the effects of the drug Tamoxifen and may increase the toxicity of doxorubicin and docetaxel if doing chemotherapy (p. 51).  It may also interact with drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme.  It may also interact with other hypotensive agents (lowering blood pressure). The American Herbal Products Association has this listed as Class 2b (Petersen, 2018, p. 52).

Have a Great Day!