Black Cohosh - Actaea Racemosa

Black cohosh - Cimicifuga racemosa in the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup family

Part used: Root.

Taste/smell: Bitter, sharp, spicy, acrid.

Dosage: Decoction: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:3 dry plant liquid extract: 10-40 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.

Mental picture and specific indications: Consider black cohosh when there are spasms, achy pains, chilliness, fevers, nervous system irritation or excitement, depression of a deep, dark and heavy nature, incessant talking and neuralgia. It is specific for headaches in the late luteal phase associated with low estrogen levels. Many symptoms are worse in the morning, during menses and with cold applications. Symptoms are better with warmth and after eating.

Use: (a) Antispasmodic, (b) Sedative, (c) Diaphoretic, (d) Digestive stimulant, (e) Mild expectorant, (f) Peripheral vasodilator, (g) Hypotensive, (h) Female reproductive tract tonic, (i) Anti-inflammatory.

Black cohosh is used for menstrual cramps, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, late menstruation, endometriosis, menopausal complaints or post hysterectomy, dyspepsia, joint inflammation and rheumatism. It is specific for the initial phases of influenza when there is chilliness, aching muscles and an acute fever. It is thought that the salicylic acid in the herb may be responsible for alleviating myalgias and neuralgias. The constituent, ferulic acid, has an anti-inflammatory effect that could also alleviate pain. It will increase and normalize uterine contractions during labor. It is also useful for after-pains following labor. Especially consider black cohosh with reproductive tract problems related to congestion, nervous irritability of the reproductive organs, achy muscles, and emotional irritability or depression. Black cohosh is well known for its support of the female reproductive tract function. It acts as a phytoestrogen. Black cohosh has been shown to suppress luteinizing hormone surges associated with hot flashes in menopausal woman. Constituents of black cohosh compete in vitro with 17-beta-estradiol for estrogen receptor binding sites.

Research has shown black cohosh to have an inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo on bone resorption in ovariectomized rats as well as rats on low calcium diets.  The extract has significantly decreased the growth of the breast carcinoma cell line when tested in vitro.

It relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, relaxes the uterus and skeletal muscles as well as dilates the bronchioles.

Contraindications: Do not use in the first trimester of pregnancy due to emmenagogue effect. Use  during pregnancy should be under the guidance of a trained professional. Large doses can slow the heart, create hypotension and bradycardia.  Signs of toxicity are nausea, vomiting, injected conjunctiva, flushed face, dilated pupils, lightheadedness, frontal headache with a severe bursting sensation, stiffness and trembling limbs, decreased pulse and blood pressure, and joint pain. This plant is currently under heavy demand. There is concern that this plant will become endangered.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

Remember To Send This To Friends And Family Who Will Benefit From Reading It!

Social media links are at the top and bottom of the page.

Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.