Black Cohosh as an Herb

(Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black cohosh, the root of a member of the buttercup family, is found in rich woods of the eastern deciduous forest from southern Ontario south to Georgia, west to Arkansas, and north to Wisconsin. Most of the root is wild-harvested, while some is grown commercially in Europe. It is called Black Snake Root to distinguish it from the Common Snake Root (Aristolochia serpentaria).

Among Native Americans and early settlers in North America, black cohosh root was an important folk medicine for menstrual irregularities and as an aid for relieving pain in childbirth. North American Indians also used it as medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, sore throat, colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation.

Suffer from Constipation?
Herbolax, by virtue of its stool softening and intestinal motility enhancing actions, corrects constipation. Herbolax will not disturb the fluid and electrolyte balance. Herbolax is safe for long-term use without producing physiological dependence.

In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation. It was extremely popular among a group of alternative practitioners who called black cohosh "macrotys" and prescribed it for rheumatism, lung conditions, neurological conditions, and conditions that affected women's reproductive organs (including menstrual problems, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility, threatened miscarriage, and relief of labor pains).

In the early nineteenth century, it enjoyed a great reputation as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis and rheumatism and was also used for nervous disorders. The root was an official drug in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.

Medicinal Uses of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is approved for use in Germany for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, painful or difficult menstruation, and for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. A number of studies have confirmed its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory activity.

In small doses, it is useful in children's diarrhea. It is also supposed to be an antidote against poison and the bite of the rattlesnake. The fresh root, dug in October, is used to make a tincture.

In whooping-cough, black cohosh proves very effective. The infusion and decoction have been given with success in rheumatism.

Black Cohosh Tincture: Root infused in 80 proof vodka; average daily dose is 20 drops on tongue. Take in hot water to evaporate alcohol.

Black Cohosh Decoction: Add 2 teaspoons dried rootstock to 1 pint of water, boil and let cool. Give 2 to 3 tablespoons up to six times a day.

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.

Culinary

Culinary use not recommended.

Cautions

Clinical trials comparing estrogens with black cohosh preparations have shown a low incidence of adverse effects associated with black cohosh; headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems were the main adverse effects noted. Of course, these are also common symptoms of menstruation, so it is difficult to pinpoint the cause or source of the symptoms. More studies are needed.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.