Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa (syn. Cimicifuga racemosa)
Family: Ranunculaceae | Parts Used: Root
Black Cohosh is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, traditionally valued for supporting women's health and the nervous system. It has been used to address various health concerns related to hormonal balance and pain management, particularly nerve pain, menstrual issues, and menopausal symptoms. It contains actaeine, cimicifugin, racemosin, estrogenic substances, triterpenes, isoferulic acid, and tannins.
Traditional Uses
- May help ease nerve pain
- Eases menstrual discomfort and cramps
- Alleviates menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and mood swings
- Antispasmodic properties
- Expectorant properties
- Emmenagogue properties
- Diaphoretic and alterative properties
Properties
Key Constituents
- Actaeine
- Cimicifugin
- Racemosin
- Triterpenes
- Isoferulic acid
- Tannins
- Estrogenic substances
Preparations & Dosage
- Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons root per cup boiling water, or 1 ounce dried root per pint of water. Take 1 cup up to three times daily.
- Tincture: 15-30 drops, up to three times daily.
TCM Profile: Neutral to slightly cooling. Taste: bitter.
Spiritual & Folk Uses
Black Cohosh is traditionally associated with transitions, emotional balance, and protection. Often used in spiritual practices to aid emotional processing and clearing.
Cautions
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Use with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.
- Rare but serious cases of liver damage (hepatotoxicity) have been reported. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if signs of liver problems occur (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain).
- May cause gastrointestinal side effects.
- May interact with hormonal medications, statins, and other hepatically metabolized drugs.
- Effects may take several weeks to manifest.
- Long-term safety data is limited.
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Native to eastern North America. Prefers moist, shaded environments. Grows well in USDA zones 3-8 in full to partial shade in moist soil.
Related Articles
Sources & Research
The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p96
Published Research:
Exploring the efficacy and safety of Black Cohosh in menopausal symptom management | Journal of Mid-life Health (2024)
Benefits of Black Cohosh for women's health: an up-close and in-depth review | Pharmaceuticals (2022)
Systematic review of Black Cohosh for management of PCOS-related infertility | Journal of Pharmacy Practice (2022)
Cimicifuga racemosa: a systematic review of its clinical efficacy | European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2002)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.