Black Cohosh Herb
Uses and Medicinal Properties
.Black Cohosh has a long history of use by Native Americans and as an alternative medicine by early settlers. It was used mainly to treat painful periods and problems associated with the menopause, used in conjunction with St. John’s Wort it has proven to be effective in treating hot flushes and other menopausal problems. Black Cohosh is believed to be useful for treating a range of other complaints; including tinnitus and high blood pressure. The fresh flowers have a strong odor and are effective insect repellents.
Black Cohosh contains Acetic-acid, Actein, Ascorbic-acid, Butyric-acid, Cimicifugin, Formononetin, Gallic-acid, Isoferulic-acid, Oleic-acid, Palmitic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Tannic-acid. It is a powerful cardiac stimulant and has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Research has shown that Black Cohosh root has estrogenic activity and reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, thereby decreasing the ovaries production of progesterone. Used as an alterative, antidote, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, birthing aid, cardio-tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue (to promote menstruation), expectorant, hypnotic, tonic and to treat rheumatism.
CAUTION: Large doses can cause poisoning. Potential Dangers
HabitatBlack Cohosh is a native North American perennial herb, found from southern Canada to the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as Georgia and Missouri. It grows mostly on hillsides and in open woods in moist rich soil. Black Cohosh grows to about 8 feet tall and bears a handsome long plumb of white flowers from June to August. The leaves are pinnate and compound with irregular tooth leaflets. The rootstock is knotty and scared with old growth. The rhizome of the root is black and rough, Cohosh is a Native American word for rough, hence Black Cohosh. |
How to Grow Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a hardy perennial in shaded areas to zone 3. Grow in shaded areas, requires watering to thrive. Sow seed 1/4 inch below soil surface in a flat in the late Summer. Plant in rich, moist ground in Spring. Easily propagated by division. Black Cohosh prefers humus rich soil, like that found in the woods. It will self sow its seed and can grow into big patches under the right conditions.
Black Cohosh Seed