
Black cohosh | Cimicifuga racemosa/Actaea racemosa
general characteristics
general characteristics
Common names include black cohosh, bugbane, black snakeroot, rattleroot, squaw root (Native American tribes).
harvesting and preparation
harvesting and preparation
The black, gnarly roots and accompanying rhizomes of black cohosh are dug in the Autumn when the plant is at least 3 years old as the roots are considered mature and ready for medicinal use at this stage. Some herbalists prefer to use the fresh root for tincture making as they consider these the most potent medicinally.
Black cohosh dried root and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop.
therapeutic actions and uses
therapeutic actions and uses
Is a vasodilator (widens blood vessels) and encourages blood flow and therefore lowers high blood pressure and can be used as part of a formula in hypertension. The heart beat is slowed yet made more powerful and efficient.
Black cohosh is also anti-inflammatory and has been used to to relieve pain in arthritis and rheumatism and also has a use in inflammatory conditions such as bursitis.
Has considerable analgesic properties due to its aspirin like compounds making it suitable for easing the pain of sciatica, fibrositis, neuralgia, headache, menstrual pains, lumbago, backache, in fact almost any type of pain can benefit from a dose of black cohosh.
Black cohosh root is rich in substances that act like hormones which can bind to oestrogen receptors in the body and both mimic and block the action of oestrogen. This makes it suitable for many conditions where a lack of or excess of oestrogen is a primary cause of symptoms such as menopausal complaints, hot flushes, menstrual pain, to bring on delayed or absent menstruation, osteoporosis (certain compounds in black cohosh root promote new bone formation), to induce labour in full term women, for pain after birth, for speed and force of the uterine muscles during labour, to encourage and regulate ovulation, shows promise as a treatment for prostate cancer, may act as an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to its selective effect on oestrogen receptors, shows promise as a breast cancer treatment and breast cancer prevention and it enhances the action of chemotherapy in breast cancer yet reduces the effects of others (please see 'dosage and cautions').
It was once known as 'a baby in a bottle' due to the presumed fertility enhancing properties when taken by many American women in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Urinary tract infections and enlarged prostate.
Snake bite, insect repellent.
Click the highlighted text for a detailed monograph on black cohosh root, including references to trials and reviews.
dosage and cautions
dosage and cautions
Black cohosh is generally a safe herb when used in the correct dose. However side effects such as headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and lowered heart rate have been reported in cases of overdose. Discontinue immediately if any of these side effects appear.Adult
Tincture: 2-4 ml in a little water, 3 times daily.
Dried root in tea form: 0.3-2g root (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) 3 times daily. Simmer the root in a cupful of water for 15 minutes, strain off the liquid and drink up to 3 cups daily
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