Black Cohosh - Cimicifuga racemosa

Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, is native to eastern North America. It is considered a “women’s herb”. It has been used traditionally by indigenous peoples. The parts used are the roots/rhizomes.

The key constituents in Black Cohosh are triterpene glycosides (actein) (cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononetin), isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, tannins, and resins.

It may relieve hot flashes and is sometimes combined with St. John’s Wort for this purpose. It has phytoestrogenic properties and reduces pituitary luteinizing hormone which may reduce progesterone levels. It is anti-inflammatory and used traditionally for arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and tinnitus.¹ It is a mild sedative for women whose menopause symptoms disrupt sleep. It has been used for whooping cough and asthma. Black Cohosh may promote menstruation, while relieving heavy bleeding and cramping.²

Suggested dosing: Tincture for period pain 40 drops in 100 ml water 3 x day. Do not take it for more than five days.

Possible side effects: Gastrointestinal upset, headache, nausea, vaginal bleeding.
Cautions: Do not use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

¹ Jiang, K., Jin, Y., Huang, L., Feng, S., Hou, X., Du, B., … Li, L. (2015). Black cohosh improves objective sleep in postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. Climacteric, 18(4), 559–567. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2015.1042450

² Mayo, Joseph L. "Black cohosh and chasteberry: herbs valued by women for centuries." target 19 (1998): 22-26.Black Cohosh promotes menstruation, while relieving heavy bleeding and cramping.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.