Black cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa) Herbal Medicine
Black cohosh Health Benefits, Dosage, Side effects and Warnings.
Scientific Name: Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa .
Other names:
black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys.
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa , Cimicifuga racemosa), a member of the buttercup family, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. Black cohosh is a traditional herbal medicine used for rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain and nervous disorders. Contemporary health benefits from Black cohosh use include treatment for premenstrual tensions, symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweat, and other gynecological problems in women.
Black cohosh is an erect perennial plant that grows from underground rhizome (stems) up to 2 meters height. Black cohosh has large compound leaves up to 1 meter in length that has 2 to 5 leaflets that are arranged in three repeated leaflets. Black cohosh leaves are green that has serrated margins. Black cohosh produces flowers from a tall arching stalk during the months of June to September. The flower is composed of tightly clustered greenish-white stamens surrounding a white stigma. Black cohosh flower has a distinct sweet smell that attracts insects. Black cohosh bear fruits that are dry about 10 mm long with one carpel containing seeds.