BLACK COHOSH
Cimicifuga racemosa

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

Habitat: Native North American perennial herb, found from southern Canada to the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as Georgia and Missouri. Growing mostly on hillsides and open woods in moist rich soil. Cultivation is fairly easy in shady moist soil with good drainage. The plant grows to about 8 feet tall. It bears several handsome long plumbs or terminal racemes resembling bottlebrushes or fluffy spikes comprised of small, numerous, aromatic, creamy white flowers which bloom from June to August. The leaves are pinnate and 2-3 ternate with irregular toothed, opposite leaflets which clasp the branched, wiry stems. 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. Gather the rootstock in the fall after the fruit has formed.

Properties: Black cohosh has a long history of use by Native Americans and early settlers it was used mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in with St. John's Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flashes and other menopausal problems. 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 the root has estrogenic activity and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby balancing the ovary's production of progesterone. Used as an alterative, antidote, antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), expectorant, hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism. It is 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.

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Folklore: 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.

TRY THESE RECIPES

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.

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.