Black Cohosh Herbal Remedies
Black cohosh is commonly used for women's ailments, such as menopause disorders, PMS, dysmenorrhea, and to facilitate labor in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy (best to consult an herbalist before using). It is also a remedy for rheumatism, bronchitis, tinnitis, and hysteria and is a known muscle relaxant. In Chinese medicine it is used for organ prolapses, headaches, measles, and sore gums due to superficial heat. Other dose forms: as a tea, 1 cup 2 x daily, usually in combination with other herbs. Recently black cohosh has become popular as an OTC remedy for relieving hot flashes in natural remedies for menopause. Black Cohosh has a taste of SWEET, ACRID, BITTER and a temperature of COOL. For detailed information about TASTES and TEMPERATURES, choose the Main menu option: More Info About...Tastes/Temperatures.
Black Cohosh Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Black Cohosh Decoction | 1 cup 2 x daily |
| Black Cohosh Powdered Extract | 1 tablet 2 x daily |
| Black Cohosh Tincture | 10-60 drops 2-3 x daily |
Black Cohosh Reference Information
| Latin Name | Cimicifuga racemosa |
| Other Names | Black snakeroot |
| Part Used | Root, Rhizome |
| Herb Forms | Tinctures, bulk herb, powder, capsules, tablets. |
| Affects | Endocrine system, Reproductive system, Urinary system |
| Cautions | Can cause such symptoms as dizziness, nausea, and headache in sensitive individuals, or with high doses; so it is recommended to start with a low dose and work up to a full dose after several days. Best to avoid during nursing and pregnancy, except for t |
| Botanical Info | A stout, bushy perennial with tall spires of starry white flowers that are highly attractive to insects. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.