Black Cohosh Herbarium
Latin Name: Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt. (Sym. Actaea racemosa)
Family: Ranunculaceae
Descriptive Characteristics (including Part of the Plant used): Chevallier (2016) describes this plant as growing up to 8 or 9 feet tall with creamy white flowers that grow in spikes (p. 79).
Part of the plant used: Hoffman says dried root and rhizome that is NOT fresh
Texture: Wooden
Color: Brown
Aroma: like hay…. I think they all smell like hay so I don’t get it.
Flavor: Tasted like licorice to me but without that tinging feeling I get from licorice
Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Petersen (2018) says phytosterin fukinolic acid which inhibits neutrophil elastase (important in anti-inflammatory action), isoferulic, caffeic acid and salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, triterpene glycosides (acetein, cimicifugoside) and 27-deoxyactein (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononentin) and isoferulic acid (p. 79).
Therapeutic Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive (Hoffman, 2003, p. 0539). Emmenagogue helps the female reproductive system and the anti-spasmodic action really helps focus on those menstrual cramps. Petersen (2018) says abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, and emmenagogue (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, sedative, antirheumatic, estrogenic, and expectorant (p. 79).
Indications: Relaxant and normalizes the female reproductive system. Painful or delayed menstruation. Relieves cramps. May also treat arthritis, rheumatic pain, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain. Neurological pain to include sciatica, and neuralgia. May help with tinnitus. Menopause – hot flashes, headache, vertigo, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, and psychological issues like irritability, sleep problems, and depressive mood (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Ulbricht (2010) includes vaginal dryness in the symptoms of menopause that can be treated with this herb. She sates the evidence is mixed but 6 months of use may be effective (p. 129). Petersen (2018) says this is used for menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood changes, diaphoresis, palpitations, vaginal dryness), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, nerves, dyspepsia, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, cough, and a mild diuretic. Skin conditions are acne, mole and wart removal, rattlesnake bites, and rejuvenation of the skin (p. 48). Petersen (2018) also lists medicinal uses on page 50 which are: anxiety, arthritis, back pain, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), breast cysts, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenopausal symptoms, sedation, and vaginal atrophy.
Formulary:
Griffin, J. (1997).
Rejuvenating menopause tonic (p. 156-7): 2T black cohosh, 2 small tang kuei roots (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 1T wild yam root, 1T chasteberries, ¼ t (1/4 slice) ginger or licorice. Make a tincture and use 1t in water daily or simmer in 2c water, covered for 30 min. Strain. Sip ½ c daily for heat, heaviness, and emotions.
Chevallier (2016)
Arthritis (p. 313): 8g of black cohosh, celery and white willow, simmer in 3c water for 20-30 min. Strain. Divide into 4 equal doses. Take 2-3 doses per day or use equal parts to make a tincture and take 1t with water 3/day.
Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels (p. 316): take 25 drops of tincture 3/day or take tablets.
Rheumatism: Decoction take 1/3 c 2/day
Period pain: Tincture, 40 drops to ½ c water, 3/day.
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 540)
1:5 60% Tincture: 2-4ml 3 times a day.
BPC
1:10 60% Tinctures: 1.8-3.6ml dosage.
Ulbricht (2010, p. 129) says the British Herbal Compendium (BPC)
1:10 60% Tinctures: .4-2ml.
Additional dosing from Ulbrecht (2010): The effective dosage is still up for debate. British Herbal Compendium recommends 40-200mg. Menopause treatment can be 20-40mg Remifemin tablets (1-2mg of 27-deoxyactein) twice a day or 40 drops liquid extract. Some studies say 40mg (20 mg twice a day) of isopropanolic black cohosh for 12 weeks. (p. 130)
Weiss and Fintelmann (2000)
1:10 Tincture: 10 drops in a sugar cube, dissolve in mouth 3 times a day.
Mills and Bone (2000) list .9-6g/day of dried rhizome by decoction
.9-6ml/day 1:1 extract
1.5-3ml/day 1:2 liquid extract or table/capsule
6-12ml/day of 1:10 tincture
Western herbalists are using the lower end because there ARE adverse effects at higher dosages.
Petersen (2018, p. 49)
Dried rhizome: 40-200 mg, daily, divided into doses
1:10 60% Tincture: .4-2mg, Can be as high as 1g. I think this is a misprint… should be ml
Tea made from powdered root: 1-2g.
Lab, Notes And Media: I have not done a lab on this one but it’s important to understand this herb is on the endangered list according to United Plant Savers.
Safety: As long as it’s used as directed, it’s safe. Don’t use it during pregnancy except to assist with birth (Hoffman, 2003, p. 540). Ulbricht (2010) says high doses may cause headache, dizziness, perspiration, or visual disturbances (p. 130). Mills and Bone (2000) extrapolate on the higher doses by saying 5g of the herb or 12g of the extract fluid cause nausea, vomiting, violent headache, vertigo, joint pain, red eyes, weak pulse, visual and nervous disturbances (p. 271). Petersen (2018) says it’s likely safe to use up to 6 months consecutively (p. 49). Petersen (2018) says the Commission E says there are no contraindications but it may be unsafe during pregnancy due to hormonal effects and it’s menstrual and uterine stimulation. It may also be additive to the effects of the drug Tamoxifen and may increase the toxicity of doxorubicin and docetaxel if doing chemotherapy (p. 51). It may also interact with drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme. It may also interact with other hypotensive agents (lowering blood pressure). The American Herbal Products Association has this listed as Class 2b (Petersen, 2018, p. 52).
Research:
Ulbricht (2010) states this herb has not had safety studies past the 6-month mark so caution is advised.
FC & A Medical Publishing (2008) provides a formula for menopause to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness: equal parts black cohosh, dong quai, false unicorn root, fennel, anise, and blessed thistle. These are to be encapsulated or made into a tea. 1-2 capsules or cups a day (168). FC & A Publishing (2008) also states this herb, once called squaw root, may also be used to treat PMS if used as an extract (184).
I can’t have an entry without my Heinerman (1997). While hypertension related to the menstrual cycle was discussed, the reason I like him so much is demonstrated by his next subject. He refers to a scientific journal, dated 1931. This article is the testimony of a doctor’s first-hand experience from 1823. I’m not going to write the entire thing here, it’s page 72-73 in the book but he states ALL lung issues. By his testimony, he was very sick, sounds like pneumonia to me but I can’t be sure since I’ve never had it and never seen it in anyone. He stated his expectoration was pus-like. He used black cohosh for a year and discontinued the use of all other medications and was revitalized.
Kargozar, Azizi, & Salari (2017) looked through many studies to see what has been effective at treating each of the symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh has been effective with hot flashes with no side effects reported with regards to estrogen but there is the potential of nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
References
(2008). Nature's Prescriptions: Foods, Vitamins, and Supplements that Prevent Disease. FC&A Medical Publishing.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 79.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 11.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. P. 395, 464, 488, 493, 494, 509, 516, 517, 539.
Kargozar, R., Azizi, H., and Salari, R. (2017). A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms. Electronic Physician, 9(11): 5826-5833, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.19082/5826
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P 48-52.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. p 129-130.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000) Herbal Medicine. Theime. P. 325-326, 332-333, 340, 394, 411.
United Plant Savers (2019) retrieved from http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/content.php/121-species-at-risk
Family: Ranunculaceae
Descriptive Characteristics (including Part of the Plant used): Chevallier (2016) describes this plant as growing up to 8 or 9 feet tall with creamy white flowers that grow in spikes (p. 79).
Part of the plant used: Hoffman says dried root and rhizome that is NOT fresh
Texture: Wooden
Color: Brown
Aroma: like hay…. I think they all smell like hay so I don’t get it.
Flavor: Tasted like licorice to me but without that tinging feeling I get from licorice
Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside, cimifugine, racemoside, cimiracemosides) isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oil and tannins (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Petersen (2018) says phytosterin fukinolic acid which inhibits neutrophil elastase (important in anti-inflammatory action), isoferulic, caffeic acid and salicylic acid, sugars, tannins, long-chain fatty acids, triterpene glycosides (acetein, cimicifugoside) and 27-deoxyactein (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says triterpene glycosides (actein, cimicifugoside), isoflavones (formononentin) and isoferulic acid (p. 79).
Therapeutic Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive (Hoffman, 2003, p. 0539). Emmenagogue helps the female reproductive system and the anti-spasmodic action really helps focus on those menstrual cramps. Petersen (2018) says abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, and emmenagogue (p. 50). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, sedative, antirheumatic, estrogenic, and expectorant (p. 79).
Indications: Relaxant and normalizes the female reproductive system. Painful or delayed menstruation. Relieves cramps. May also treat arthritis, rheumatic pain, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain. Neurological pain to include sciatica, and neuralgia. May help with tinnitus. Menopause – hot flashes, headache, vertigo, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, and psychological issues like irritability, sleep problems, and depressive mood (Hoffman, 2003, p. 539). Ulbricht (2010) includes vaginal dryness in the symptoms of menopause that can be treated with this herb. She sates the evidence is mixed but 6 months of use may be effective (p. 129). Petersen (2018) says this is used for menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood changes, diaphoresis, palpitations, vaginal dryness), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, nerves, dyspepsia, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, cough, and a mild diuretic. Skin conditions are acne, mole and wart removal, rattlesnake bites, and rejuvenation of the skin (p. 48). Petersen (2018) also lists medicinal uses on page 50 which are: anxiety, arthritis, back pain, breast pain/inflammation (mastitis), breast cysts, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenopausal symptoms, sedation, and vaginal atrophy.
Formulary:
Griffin, J. (1997).
Rejuvenating menopause tonic (p. 156-7): 2T black cohosh, 2 small tang kuei roots (omit if taking estrogen blockers), 1T wild yam root, 1T chasteberries, ¼ t (1/4 slice) ginger or licorice. Make a tincture and use 1t in water daily or simmer in 2c water, covered for 30 min. Strain. Sip ½ c daily for heat, heaviness, and emotions.
Chevallier (2016)
Arthritis (p. 313): 8g of black cohosh, celery and white willow, simmer in 3c water for 20-30 min. Strain. Divide into 4 equal doses. Take 2-3 doses per day or use equal parts to make a tincture and take 1t with water 3/day.
Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels (p. 316): take 25 drops of tincture 3/day or take tablets.
Rheumatism: Decoction take 1/3 c 2/day
Period pain: Tincture, 40 drops to ½ c water, 3/day.
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 540)
1:5 60% Tincture: 2-4ml 3 times a day.
BPC
1:10 60% Tinctures: 1.8-3.6ml dosage.
Ulbricht (2010, p. 129) says the British Herbal Compendium (BPC)
1:10 60% Tinctures: .4-2ml.
Additional dosing from Ulbrecht (2010): The effective dosage is still up for debate. British Herbal Compendium recommends 40-200mg. Menopause treatment can be 20-40mg Remifemin tablets (1-2mg of 27-deoxyactein) twice a day or 40 drops liquid extract. Some studies say 40mg (20 mg twice a day) of isopropanolic black cohosh for 12 weeks. (p. 130)
Weiss and Fintelmann (2000)
1:10 Tincture: 10 drops in a sugar cube, dissolve in mouth 3 times a day.
Mills and Bone (2000) list .9-6g/day of dried rhizome by decoction
.9-6ml/day 1:1 extract
1.5-3ml/day 1:2 liquid extract or table/capsule
6-12ml/day of 1:10 tincture
Western herbalists are using the lower end because there ARE adverse effects at higher dosages.
Petersen (2018, p. 49)
Dried rhizome: 40-200 mg, daily, divided into doses
1:10 60% Tincture: .4-2mg, Can be as high as 1g. I think this is a misprint… should be ml
Tea made from powdered root: 1-2g.
Lab, Notes And Media: I have not done a lab on this one but it’s important to understand this herb is on the endangered list according to United Plant Savers.
Safety: As long as it’s used as directed, it’s safe. Don’t use it during pregnancy except to assist with birth (Hoffman, 2003, p. 540). Ulbricht (2010) says high doses may cause headache, dizziness, perspiration, or visual disturbances (p. 130). Mills and Bone (2000) extrapolate on the higher doses by saying 5g of the herb or 12g of the extract fluid cause nausea, vomiting, violent headache, vertigo, joint pain, red eyes, weak pulse, visual and nervous disturbances (p. 271). Petersen (2018) says it’s likely safe to use up to 6 months consecutively (p. 49). Petersen (2018) says the Commission E says there are no contraindications but it may be unsafe during pregnancy due to hormonal effects and it’s menstrual and uterine stimulation. It may also be additive to the effects of the drug Tamoxifen and may increase the toxicity of doxorubicin and docetaxel if doing chemotherapy (p. 51). It may also interact with drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzyme. It may also interact with other hypotensive agents (lowering blood pressure). The American Herbal Products Association has this listed as Class 2b (Petersen, 2018, p. 52).
Research:
Ulbricht (2010) states this herb has not had safety studies past the 6-month mark so caution is advised.
FC & A Medical Publishing (2008) provides a formula for menopause to relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness: equal parts black cohosh, dong quai, false unicorn root, fennel, anise, and blessed thistle. These are to be encapsulated or made into a tea. 1-2 capsules or cups a day (168). FC & A Publishing (2008) also states this herb, once called squaw root, may also be used to treat PMS if used as an extract (184).
I can’t have an entry without my Heinerman (1997). While hypertension related to the menstrual cycle was discussed, the reason I like him so much is demonstrated by his next subject. He refers to a scientific journal, dated 1931. This article is the testimony of a doctor’s first-hand experience from 1823. I’m not going to write the entire thing here, it’s page 72-73 in the book but he states ALL lung issues. By his testimony, he was very sick, sounds like pneumonia to me but I can’t be sure since I’ve never had it and never seen it in anyone. He stated his expectoration was pus-like. He used black cohosh for a year and discontinued the use of all other medications and was revitalized.
Kargozar, Azizi, & Salari (2017) looked through many studies to see what has been effective at treating each of the symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh has been effective with hot flashes with no side effects reported with regards to estrogen but there is the potential of nausea, vomiting and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
References
(2008). Nature's Prescriptions: Foods, Vitamins, and Supplements that Prevent Disease. FC&A Medical Publishing.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 79.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 11.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. P. 395, 464, 488, 493, 494, 509, 516, 517, 539.
Kargozar, R., Azizi, H., and Salari, R. (2017). A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms. Electronic Physician, 9(11): 5826-5833, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.19082/5826
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P 48-52.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. p 129-130.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000) Herbal Medicine. Theime. P. 325-326, 332-333, 340, 394, 411.
United Plant Savers (2019) retrieved from http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/content.php/121-species-at-risk
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