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Some studies suggest that black cohosh may help relieve menopausal symptoms, other study results do not…

Actaea racemosa          Cimicifuga racemosa

Plant Type: Hardy Perennial                 Growing Zones: 3 to 7

Black Cohosh is a hardy perennial that grows in moist rich soil on wooded hillsides and open woods as far north as zone 3 in Southern Canada. Growing to about 8 feet tall it produces a string of white flowers in mid to late summer.

Growing Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is easily propagated from fresh rootstock gathered in the fall after formation of the fruit. Wash the Black Cohosh root in fresh water, blot dry and dry in natural air on wire racks away from dust and sunlight or in a food dehydrator with the heat turned off.

Black Cohosh self seeds under the right conditions and can grow large patches. Plant the root divisions in spring in moist, shaded, humus rich soil, providing plenty of moisture during the growing season.

Black Cohosh as an herbal medicine in early America

A member of the buttercup family Black Cohosh is a perennial herb that is native to North America. One of the benefits of Black Cohosh is that it is avoided by insects, which may help to explain the nicknames of black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys.

The name Black Cohosh comes from the black and rough root and since Cohosh is a Native American word for rough; hence the name Black Cohosh. Black cohosh was used in Native American herbal medicine for everything from gynecological problems, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, to sore throat, colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache! It was also used to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation.

The underground stems and roots of Black Cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong black cohosh tea or infusions, capsules, black cohosh extract used in pills, or tinctures.

Black Cohosh as an herbal medicine today

Black cohosh is typically used in the relief of hot flashes and other maladies of menopause. Studies have been conducted to determine whether black cohosh is actually effective for this use.

The studies were placebo-controlled studies, and most assessed symptoms using a scale that combines the measurement of hot flashes, plus insomnia, and depression.

Black cohosh is sold in the United States as a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements are considered “foods” and are regulated as such. Since it is not considered a drug, but is considered a food, manufacturers of Black Cohosh do not have to provide the FDA with the required evidence that it is effective or safe before marketing. Because dietary supplements are not always tested for manufacturing consistency, the composition may vary considerably from lot to lot.

Cautions with Black Cohosh

  • Black cohosh has not been reported to interact with any drugs or to influence laboratory tests, though this has not been rigorously studied.

  • There are no known adverse black cohosh side effects or interactions between black cohosh extract and any medications except with possibly tamoxifen.

  • Effects on breast tissue are not fully understood so women with breast cancer may want to avoid the use of black cohosh.

  • The black cohosh root affect during pregnancy has not been rigorously studied. It would be prudent for pregnant women not to take black cohosh, eliminating concerns about black cohosh and labor.

  • Can men take black cohosh? I have not seen any data indicating any benefit of having men on black cohosh.

  • The only adverse effect reported in clinical studies, with any significant frequency, was gastrointestinal discomfort. In larger doses, or in the instance of black cohosh overdose, it can cause dizziness, headaches, giddiness, nausea, and vomiting.

  • The formulation Black Cohosh and dosage vary by manufacturer. A common black cohosh preparation is one which contains black cohosh extract equivalent to 20 mg of root per tablet.

As you can see from the information available, no one knows for sure what the side effects of Black Cohosh are when used by different people under varying conditions. Many possibilities are being studied but in the meantime caution in its use is strongly advised.

For more information, check the following links:

Thomas Kueny –Publisher      http://www.growing-herbs.com