BLACK COHOSH or BLACK SNAKE ROOT

(Cimicifuga racemosa; Actaea racemosa; Macrotys racemosa; actaeoides, RANUNCULACEAE)

Part used:  Rhizome and roots

Therapeutic action:

Antispasmodic, alterative, emmenagogue, diuretic, astringent, expectorant, diaphoretic, arterial and nervine sedative, cardiac stimulant, stomachic-tonic and an antiseptic antivenom.

As a cardiac stimulant, black cohosh root slightly depresses the heart rate while it increases the force of the pulse and equalizes circulation. It is a valuable emmenagogue in pelvic disturbances and uterine troubles as it effectively contracts the uterus and increases the menstrual flow. Black cohosh has strong effect on the muscular system, and is used for various forms of rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia. It is a viable expectorant for acute chronic pulmonary and bronchial affections. Black cohosh exerts a tonic  influence over the mucous and serous tissues, stimulating the secretions of the liver, kidneys and lymph. It also aids digestion. In parturition, black cohosh is helpful in initiating uterine contractions, checking hemorrhage, and allaying the nervousness and afterpains of delivery.

Medicinal uses:

Insomnia, headache (back of the head, at the base of the brain), rheumatism, chorea, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, subinvolution, spinal irritation, pelvic disturbances, uterine troubles, apoplexy, eruptive diseases (smallpox, etc.), whooping cough, cholera, periodical convulsive fits, epilepsy, nervous excitability, asthma, tremors of delirium, spasmodic affections, consumption, cough, scrofula, neuralgia, hysteria, fatty heat, acute and chronic bronchitis, phthisis, dyspepsia, uterine hemorrhage, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, peritonitis, seminal emissions, nerve inflammation, ulcers, dropsy, spinal meningitis, liver and kidney troubles, poisonous insect and snake bites.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, powder, solid extract, syrup and tincture. Alcohol is the best menstruum to extract the antispasmodic properties.

Dosage:

Black cohosh is a very potent agent, and an overdose will produce nausea and vomiting.