|
Black Cohosh Herb Uses and
Medicinal Properties
Black
Cohosh has a long history of
use by Native Americans and as an alternative medicine by early settlers. It was used
mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in
conjunction with
St. John's Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal
problems. Black Cohosh is believed to be useful for treating a range of other complaints; including tinnitus and
high blood pressure. The fresh flowers have a strong odor and are effective insect
repellents.
Black Cohosh
contains Acetic-acid, Actein, Ascorbic-acid, Butyric-acid,
Cimicifugin, Formononetin, Gallic-acid, Isoferulic-acid, Oleic-acid,
Palmitic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Tannic-acid. It is a powerful
cardiac stimulant and has a sedative effect on the nervous system.
Research has shown that Black Cohosh root has estrogenic activity
and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby
decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. Used as an
alterative, antidote, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic,
antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardio-tonic, diaphoretic,
diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), expectorant,
hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism.
CAUTION:
Large doses can cause poisoning.
Potential Dangers
Habitat
Black
Cohosh is a native North American perennial herb, found from southern Canada to
the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as Georgia and Missouri. It grows
mostly on hillsides and in open woods in moist rich soil. Black Cohosh grows to
about 8 feet tall and bears a handsome long plumb of white flowers from June to
August. The leaves are pinnate and compound with irregular tooth leaflets. The
rootstock is knotty and scared with old growth. The rhizome of the root is black
and rough, Cohosh is a Native American word for rough, hence Black Cohosh.
|
How to Grow Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a hardy perennial in shaded
areas to zone 3. Grow in shaded areas, requires watering to thrive.
Sow seed 1/4 inch below soil surface in a flat in the late
Summer. Plant in rich, moist ground in Spring. Easily propagated by division. Black Cohosh prefers humus rich soil, like that found in the woods.
It will self sow its
seed and can grow into big patches under the right conditions.
Black
Cohosh Seed
Folklore and History
Black Cohosh root was used by Native Americans to
treat snake bite and as a ceremonial herb to bring visions. The root was thought by some
early American settlers to be the main ingredient in witches brew, and any female caught
with it in her possession was burned as a witch.
Harvest
Gather Black Cohosh rootstock in the fall after
the fruit has formed. Wash roots carefully, blot with paper towel or
absorbent cloth. Dry in a well ventilated area away from smoke, pets
and pests, preferably on wire racks.
Herbal Recipes
Black Cohosh Decoction: Add 2 tsp. dried rootstock to 1 pint of water,
boil and let cool. Give 2 to 3 tbsp. up to six times a day.
Black Cohosh Tincture: Soak 2 to 3 oz. powdered rootstock in 8 to 12 oz.
Vodka for 3 weeks shaking the jar 1 or 2 times a day. Strain, give 5 drops 3 to 4 times a
day.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron
Buy
Organic Black Cohosh Root,
click here
Extracts and Tinctures with Black Cohosh,
click here
Black Cohosh Links
National Institute of Health
Fact Sheet on Black Cohosh
Botanical.com : Black
Cohosh
American
Cancer Society Black Cohosh Fact Sheet
Books
Black
Cohosh: Nature's Versatile Healer
Gale
Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine : Black cohosh
Black Cohosh: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research
Guide to Internet References |