Plant Profile: Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh

(Cimicifuga racemosa)

Family: RANUNCLUACEAE

Energetics: Cooling.

Taste: Pungent. Sweet. Mildly bitter. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Liver. Spleen. Stomach. Large intestine. Nervous system. Reproductive System. 

Parts Used: Dried root (according to David Hoffman). Fresh root is best for tincture according to Matthew Wood. Sometimes these differences in opinion drive me crazy

Key Components: Bitter glycosides (including: actaeine, cimicifugin). Racemosin. Ranunculin (changes to anemonin when dried). Estrogenic substances. Triterpenes. Isoferulic acid. Salicylic acid. Tannins. 

Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1/2 - 1 tsp simmered for 10-15 minutes. Tincture:  Drop dosage for psychological effect (3 drops 3x per day), Material dosage (standard dose) for use as a blood alterative.

Actions: 

Foundational: Relaxant. Stimulant.
Primary: Expectorant. Emmenagogue. Diaphoretic. Alterative. 
Secondary: Antispasmodic. 

Uses: 

 Black cloud hanging overhead. Concussion.  Generates fluids and at the same time, unbinds them.   For the Nervous System: Neuralgia, nerve pain, numbness. Generally any condition of the nerves. Rheumatic and osteoarthritis, sciatica, spinal injuries.  

Black Cohosh actually is especially good at helping fluids to move, including the cerebrospinal fluid. 

For the reproductive system: Combined with other herbs as an emmenagogue to relieve menstrual cramps as well as pain during labor as well as to facilitate labor.  Both a stimulant and a relaxant to the female reproductive system. 

Has a balancing and regulating effect on female sex hormones. More specifically in the menopausal years. Relieving menopausal symptoms after hysterectomy. 

Has been useful as an antispasmodic in cases of whooping cough. 

Also shown to be helpful for some cases of tinnitus. 

Combines well with: Skullcap, Wood betony, Passion flower,  Valerian. Cayenne. Blue cohosh, Raspberry leaf, Chamomile, Vitex, Dong qui. Ginger. Prickly Ash, Angelica. Wild Cherry bark, Elecampane, Mullein. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting:

Contraindications: Do not use in pregnancy until the last week or so when you are preparing to deliver. Moderate to large doses can cause some discomfort. 

Sources: 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 96-97
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 220
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Pg 118-121
Herbal Healing for Women: Rosemary Gladstar: Pg 178, 231-232

Studies:

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.