ETYMOLOGY
Cimicifuga comes from the Latin “cimex,” which can translate as bug; this alludes to the fragrance produced by disturbing the plant’s roots, which was considered a repellent of bugs.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION

Family: Ranunculaceae

Description: The plant of Cimicifuga racemosa has an erect, smooth, stem, usually 120-180 cm in height, but can reach up to 240 - 250 cm. The leaves are alternate and large, have knife-like edges, are ovate, smooth and thin, and are bi-or tri-lobed with a doubly serrate margin. The flowers, a corolla with reduced petals and calyx consists, of 4-5 sepals that resemble small, white, feathers,  are gathered together in a manner similar to racemic branched ears. The fruits are oval follicles conntaining 8-10 seeds brown, that either flat, triangular-shaped or crescent.

Habitat: Native to North America where it grows freely in the shady areas of the forests of Canada and the United States.

Cultivation: Propagation can be done by seed or by dividing the units of plants, including the rhizomes, the latter technique appears to be the most favored.

Method of Harvest: The roots are harvested in the autumn, when the plant’s fruits have reached maturity.

Parts Utilized: Rhizomes and roots.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Triterpene glycosides are considered the main active ingredients, with the most important being acteina and 27-deoxiacteina.

MODE OF ACTION

Actions: Black Cohosh’s main role is in the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. The latest studies suggest that its effects on the hypothalamus are behind these actions.

Precautions: In very rare cases, slight gastric irritation has been reported but disappears with discontinuation of treatment. Black cohosh is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. There is no other known side effects or other recommended special precautions for its use at recommended doses.

COMMON INDICATIONS

As a medicinal herb: For the symptoms of menopause; hot flashes, profuse sweating, sleep disturbance and irritability.

Traditional use: Traditional used for menstrual disorders and rheumatic diseases (particularly those associated with menopause).

PREPARATION AND USE

Internal Use: In a dosage equivalent to 1-2 mg of acteina and 27-deoxiacteina per day.

HISTORY AND LEGENDS

Black Cohosh was thusly named for the color of its medicinally used roots. Cohosh also means "rough," again a reference to the plant’s roots. Native Americans boiled its roots and drank the decoction as a
remedy for fatigue, sore throat, arthritis, and for rattlesnake bites, hence why it has also been referred to as "Black serpent." Black cohosh was also used by women in India to treat gynecological disorders. Game used to thrive on the plant in the valley of the Ohio River, an ideal place for the plant. Eclectic physicians of the 1800’s in the United States recommended Black Cohosh for fever, rashes, insomnia, malaria, yellow fever, and various gynecological diseases.

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