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Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa
Other Names: American Baneberry, Black snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimicifuga, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot

Black Cohosh is endangered and should be cultivated.  Do not harvest from the wild.

 



Photos by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2006. Permission required to use any herb pictures from this site. 

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

 

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Disclaimer: This herbal web site was designed to teach about herbs, wild herb conservation, historical uses and latest herb research. This information is presented for educational use only. It is not meant to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Please discuss your health issues as well as herb and supplement use with your doctor.

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