Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

 

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Ranunculaceae, or the buttercup family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Black cohosh thrives in temperate climates in eastern parts of the United States and the Appalachian region. It prefers rich, moist soil and woodlands ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Dried root and rhizome ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Emmenagogue
• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Alterative
• Relaxing Nervine
• Hypotensive ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Irritable or irregular female reproductive system
• Painful or delayed menstruation
• Uterine cramping
• Rheumatic pain (arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle/neurological pain)
• Tinnitus ^[2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Triterpene glycosides, isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oils, tannins ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic ^[3]  
8. Energetics:
• ACTIVATOR to stagnation in transition zones (especially for females - menopause, premenstrual, labor!) 
• Bitter, cooling ^[3]
9. Safety:
• No adverse effects to be expected at the recommended dosage. In pregnancy, this herb should not be used except to assist birth. ^[2]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The tincture provided is light in color, slightly yellowish. The taste is VERY intense, moreso than a normal alcoholic tincture. It’s bitter and burns my mouth and throat. After 3 dropperfuls, I can detect I would be really careful to recommend this to clients in its pure form. If I were to make a labor blend, I would try to use glycerite and some aesthetic herbs like peppermint (or honey!) in the recipe.
2. Preparation Method:
• Labor: 5-20 drops (+5-20 drops of Blue Cohosh)
• Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2 - 4 ml 3x/day
• Hot Decoction: ½ - 1 tsp dried root infused in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 3x/day. ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• After the initial pain and uncomfortable sensation of taking the tincture, I can say that I am enjoying the feeling of letting this herb sit with my body. I feel grounded and relaxed thinking about the nervine and antispasmodic actions of this herb. I actually performed a headstand with the assistance of my darling roommate Jaime.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.