The final remedy in my series of alternative medicine for your mental health is Cimicifuga, which many women may be familiar with as Black Cohosh. This homeopathic aid is primarily used to alleviate the symptoms associated with menstruation, like sharp cramps that make you double over in pain. Black Cohosh is also an excellent remedy for PMS, and menopause because it is effective in stopping hotflashes, depression, irritability, anxiety and deep sadness that are induced by hormonal changes.

Found in many areas of North America, Cimicifuga, like the Pasqueflower, discussed in my previous blog, is part of the buttercup family and it is often called "Snakeroot." As a homeopathic remedy, it is made from American Black Cohosh root and can be purchased as a tincture, pillule or powder, online, at  your local nutritional health store, and some pharmacies.

Therapeutically, Cimicifuga alleviates symptoms of PMS and menopause because it has a calming effect on our nervous system, causes the uterine muscles to relax rather than contract, and it helps to keep our hormones in balance. When our hormones are are balanced, we feel better both mentally and physically.

Will you benefit from using Cimicifuga?  Please check out the statements below, if 4 apply to you, then this remedy may be just what you are looking for.

• You feel gloomy as if you have the ills of the world on your shoulders.
• You cry easily with little or no provocation.
• You frequently have headaches.
• You are nervous and restless.
• You find yourself vacillating, unable to make decisions.
• You have mood swings.
• You are extremely sensitive, even about minor things.
• You have a fear of going insane and dying.
• You often find yourself sighing, and sometimes for no apparent reason.
• You suffer from periods of depression.
• You suffer from menstrual cramps.

Still unsure about whether or not to take Black Cohosh, check with your naturopath,
gynecologist, or other health care practitioner who will want to know if your symptoms improve or get worse  under the following conditions.

           You feel Better

• Outside in fresh air.
• In warm surroundings.
• When you apply pressure to the area of your body causing discomfort.
• When you do gentle exercise.

            You feel Worse

• In a cold environment.
• When you are pregnant.
• When it is rainy or damp.
• While menstruating.

Hopefully, some of the Alternative Remedies that I have discussed will be helpful to you.  Stay healthy!
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
     Pittsburgh, PA.