BLACK COHOSH

Alternate Names: Bugbane, Black Snake Root, Rattle Root, Squaw Root

Parts Used: Rhizome, root.

Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Circulatory Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Muscle Relaxant, Nerve Depressant, Nervine, Parturient, Sedative, Vasodilator.

Internal Uses: Amenorrhea, Arthritis, Balance, Bronchitis, Colitis, Convulsions, Debility, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, Hot Flashes, Hypertension, Hysteria, Labor Inducement, Menopause, Moodiness, Orchitis, Premenstrual Syndrome, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Snakebites, Stress, Tinnitus, Tuberculosis, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

One of the ways Black Cohosh can improve circulation and lower blood pressure is by temporarily dilating blood vessels. A popular herb for women, it helps restore healthy menses and soothes irritation and congestion of the cervix, uterus and vagina. It can help bring on overdue labor and speed up a delayed labor by ripening the cervix and strengthening uterine contractions. It may be helpful in treating prostate cancer, but that is still undetermined.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (acetin, cimicfugoside), phytoestrogens, isoflavonesn (formononetin), isoferulic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin (cimifugin), salicylates, potassium, magnesium.

Contraindications: Excess usage irritates nervous system and can cause nausea. Avoid during pregnancy, except during final stages of pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage. Not for use during breast feeding. Avoid if one has heart conditions. Large doses can cause low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. Can increase interocular pressure, so avoid for people with high eye pressure.

Comments: Native to North America. The genus name Cimicifuga is from the Latin cimicus, meaning 'insect' and fugare, 'to drive away' as it drives away insects. Black refers to the dark colored rhizome. Cohosh is an old Indian word meaning 'dark'. In the 1800's Black Cohosh was used to treat scarlet fever, smallpox and whooping cough.

This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

-- Phil in KS (pemccoy@yahoo.com), March 21, 2002