The Black Cohosh Herb

( Western Herb )

Cimicifuga racemosa

The Black Cohosh herb was called Squaw Root by Native Americans. It is also known as Black Snake and Rattle Weed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Black Cohosh herb is a North American woodland plant that can grow to seven feet tall. It bears long bottlebrush spikes or brilliant, white flowers in the summer.

The rhizome and root contains a substance that acts like the female hormone estrogen. This leafy perennial is prescribed for several menstrual and menopausal conditions.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* eases premenstrual symptoms

* menopausal disorders such as hot flashes

* balancing female sex hormones

* nausea associated with headaches

* may be helpful in chronic bronchitis and spasmodic coughs

* may help in the treatment of high blood pressure

Apply externally for:

* muscular discomfort associated with arthritis

* muscle spasms

PREPARATIONS:

Over the counter:

The Black Cohosh herb is available in Health Food Stores as tinctures, syrup, capsules, fluid extracts, and also as dried root and rhizome.

At home: Decoction: Pour a cup of water over ½ tsp. of the dried root and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink this Black Cohosh tea three times a day.

Tincture: Take 2 to 4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Parts Used: Rhizome and root

Collection: The Black Cohosh root is unearthed with the rhizome in the Fall after the fruit have all ripened.

Constituents: Resin, bitter glycosides, salicylic acid, tannin, estrogenic principle

Actions: Ant-spasmodic, alterative sedative, nervine, tonic

Combinations: This herb can be combined with Blue Cohosh for uterine conditions and combined with Bogbean for rheumatic problems.

Mix Black Cohosh (dried herb) with Skullcap, Wood Betony, Passionflower, and Valerian to make a mild tranquilizer.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

Prolonged use of this herb may irritate the uterus.

Serious:

Overdoses or use for long periods of time can cause dizziness, diarrheas, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, joint pain, lowered heart rate, hypertension and flushing.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* Because this herb can potentially cause serious side effects, use only under medical supervision.

* Individuals suffering from any type of heart disease should not use.

* Not to be used during pregnancy, because it can cause premature labor.

* If you have been advised to not take oral contraception do not take this herb.