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Information about the herb Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa, also known as Black Snakeroot is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family.Black Cohosh is a perennial plant native to Canada and the United States of America growing on hillsides and open woody areas at higher elevations. It has been grown as far south as Georgia and as far west as Missouri.
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Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Common Name: Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattle Root, Rattleweed, Richweed, Squawroot.
Plant Family: Ranunculaceae, a member of the buttercup family
History: More than 200 years ago, Native American Indians discovered that the root of the Black Cohosh plant helped relieve symptoms of rheumatism and female complaints such as:
- menstrual cramps
- symptoms of menopause including:
- hot flashes
- irritability
- mood swings
- sleep disturbances
Plant Constituents of Black Cohosh
Contains:
- astringent substance
- Cimicifugin (contains about 18%), an amorphous resinous substance
- fat
- glycosides (sugar compounds)
- gum
- isoferulic acids (anti-inflammatory effects)
- phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens)
- Racemosin, a crystalline bitter principle
- resins
- starch
- sugar
- wax
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- cardiac stimulant [an agent that stimulates or otherwise affects the heart]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emetic [an agent that causes vomiting]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- slightly narcotic [a drug which relieves pain and induces sleep when used in medicinal doses; large doses of narcotics produce convulsions, stupor, insensibility, coma or death]
Medicinal Parts Used: Root, rhizome (underground parts of the plant)
Black Cohosh leaves laid around a room were said to drive away:
- bugs
- negativity
Black Cohosh is commonly used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- a sedative effect on the nervous system
- chorea (St. Vitus' Dance) especially in children
- hysteria
- relieves depression
Cardiovascular Conditions
- a cardiac stimulant
- improves blood circulation
- reduces rapidity of pulse
Female Conditions
- contracts the uterus
- delayed and painful menstruation
- menopause symptoms (usually taken in conjunction with other herbs) including
- hot flushes
- irritability
- mood swings
- sleep disturbances
- menstrual cramps
- obstructed menstruation
- painful menstruation
- premenstrual discomfort
- promotes and restores healthy menstrual activity
- soothes irritation and congestion of the female reproductive system
- vaginal atrophy
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea in children (in small doses)
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
- helps relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, combined with Willow Bark (Salix alba.), Sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.), Guaiacum Resin (Guaiacum officinale) and Poplar Bark (Populus tremuloides)
- reduces inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- rheumatism
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- chronic bronchitis
- consumption
- eases coughs
- spasmodic problems such as whooping cough
Skeletal Conditions
- may help prevent osteoporosis
Other Conditions
- induces perspiration
- wasting diseases
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- Dried Herb - 40 to 80 mg per day
- Liquid Herbal Extact - 2 to 4 mL/day
Caution:
Black Cohosh in high doses can cause side effects including:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headaches
- hypotension
- joint pains
- mastalgia
- slow heart rate
- nausea
- reduced pulse
- slow heart rate
- sweating
- tremors
- vertigo
- visual dimness
- vomiting
- weight gain
Black Cohosh in normal dose may cause:
- mild stomach upset
It should not be used during pregnancy as it may:
- stimulate cont ractions
- lead to premature labor
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Black Cohosh without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications:
Black Cohosh contains a chemical similar to estrogen so should be avoided by those unable to take such chemicals or those taking the synthetic estrogen drug
- Tamoxifen
Clinical knowledge is unsure whether Black Cohosh stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells or inhibits their growth so women with a history of breast cancer or a strong family history (like a mother or sister with breast cancer) should not take Black Cohosh without talking to a healthcare provider.
Global Herbal Supplies has Black Cohosh available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
