Herbs: Black Cohosh

The Latin names of this plant are particularly fitting and are based on its actions. Cimex translates to "bug" and fugare means "to drive away." Its common name, Bugbane, also indicates its use as a natural insect repellent which has been used for centuries in Europe, India and probably elsewhere. The name Black Cohosh refers to the root which is dark and knotty or gnarly. Cohosh is an Algunquin Indian word meaning "rough." Sometimes it is called Rattleroot because of the way the seeds rattle within the seedpod, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake. The species name, racemosa, means "full of flowers."

The genus, Cimicifuga, includes about fifteen species found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Black Cohosh has recently been re-classified to the Actaea genus.

Black Cohosh is a forest plant, thriving in moist soil and shady areas. An herbaceous perennial, it grows to a bushy three feet and then when blooming (sometime between late May to early September), its flower stalks reach to six or eight feet showing small, white, feathery, odoriferous flowers. The root, four to six inches long and two-thirds to one inch thick, contains medicinal properties. It should be harvested and dried in autumn, but since it doesn't store well, needs to be used fairly soon, or tinctured.

Black Cohosh was a standard remedy used for women among the American Indians. It was also used as an antidote for snakebite. The root would be bruised and applied to the bite and then the victim would chew on a piece of the root and swallow any juice.

The early settlers learned the value of Black Cohosh from the Native Americans. The root became an official drug in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926 and in the National Formulary between 1935 and 1950. Its uses have broadened to include the following:

Women's Problems:	aids in childbirth, menstrual irregularities, cramps, pain, and the "hot flashes" of menopause. It is believed to offer nutritional, hormonal, physical, and emotional support to a woman in menopause.
Lung Conditions:	asthma, bronchitis, coughs
Nervous Disorders:	convulsions, hysteria, spasmodic afflictions
Inflammation:	arthritis, rheumatism
Cardiovascular:	acts as a tonic for heart problems, equalizes blood circulation, increases force of the pulse
Ear:	a specific for tinnitus (ringing of the ears)

Black Cohosh is a wonderful remedy for many problems, but it is powerful and should be used with care. If too much is taken, it can cause a severe frontal headache which would definitely be a signal to reduce the dosage. Other side effects caused by an overdose can be nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Pregnant women are advised not to use it until labor, and even then under the supervision of a physician. For specific conditions and dosages, always consult a qualified Health Practitioner.