What Is Black Cohosh Root?

Black cohosh is a perennial flowering wild plant. It is a member of the family Ranunculaceae, or the buttercup family. Its botanical names are Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa. Native to North America, black cohosh grows naturally on wooded hillsides and in forests, in moist rich soil. The plant reaches about 8 feet at its tallest, and in summer it produces clusters of white flowers. Black cohosh root has gained attention for its effectiveness in alleviating unpleasant menopausal symptoms.

Nicknames

Black cohosh gained its most common nickname from the Algonquin Indian word "cohosh," meaning "rough." Black cohosh describes the dark and gnarled root structure of this plant, used traditionally to treat many different health problems. Other nicknames include black snakeroot and rattle root, as the rough black rhizome of the root was applied externally to treat snake bites. Black cohosh is also called bugbane because insects avoid it.

Traditonal Uses

North American Indians and early settlers from other countries used black cohosh root as an herb to treat various conditions, including kidney disorders, malaria and rheumatism. People used it as a remedy for colds, sore throat, hives, constipation and back pain. It also has traditionally been used for many problems specific to women including menstrual irregularity, menstrual cramps and labor pain relief, and for inducing lactation. It has alternatively been used to prevent miscarriage and to induce labor.

Modern Uses

Germany's regulatory agency for herbs has approved black cohosh as a prescription medication for relieving premenstrual symptoms and menstrual cramps. It also is prescribed as an alternative to hormone therapy for unpleasant effects of menopause, such as hot flashes. In the United States, where black cohosh root can be purchased without a prescription, it has gained increasing popularity for relieving menopausal symptoms. According to Reuters news service, black cohosh ranked seventh in single herb sales in the United States in 2007.

Considerations

Black cohosh is officially listed as endangered in some states and threatened in others. Depending on where they live, people interested in obtaining the root fresh are generally advised to grow it rather than harvest it from the wild. It needs shade and moist soil. Roots can be collected in fall.

Commercial Availability

Besides fresh or dried root, black cohosh is available commercially as a liquid extract, tincture, capsules and tablets. The most widely used and most thoroughly studied brand is Remifemin, a standardized extract produced by GlaxoSmithKline. The company advertises Remifemin as being effective at reducing hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.