Black Cohosh

Black cohosh or Cimicifuga racemosa is native to North America and is used mainly for women's menstrual and menopausal problems.

 Historically, the famous Lydia Pinham's tonic, sold to women in the 19th century, is known to have used black cohosh as a major ingredient.

Other names for black cohosh include baneberry, black snakeroot, bugbane, and rattleroot. It should not be confused with either blue cohosh or white cohosh.

Triterpene glycosides or saponins, including the xylosides actein, 27-deoxyactein, and cimicifugoside, are the primary active constituents of black cohosh and are found in the rhizome and root.

It has estrogen-like action and is a progesterone precursor. Clinical data support the use of black cohosh for menopausal problems for at least 6 months. Its purported antispasmodic and pain relief effects make it useful for menstrual problems.

Adverse effects of black cohosh include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervous system and visual disturbances, and reduced heart rate.

Because it contains salicylic acid and an anticoagulant, black cohosh may interact with salicylates or salicylic acid-containing herbs and any anticoagulant-containing substance and can cause increased bleeding or affect platelet aggregation.