Black Cohosh is also known by its botanical name, Actaea racemosa L, Cimicifuga racemosa. The plant is also referred to by its common names Black Snakeroot, Bugwort, Bugbane, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Squawroot and Fairy Candle. Black Cohosh gets its name from the Algonquin name for the plant.

The American Indians discovered the healing properties of this herb more than two centuries ago. Native Americans from the Eastern United States used Black Cohosh for a variety of ailments ranging from snakebite to female ailments. The association with snakebite accounts for the common name Black Snakeroot and Rattlesnake Root. The root of Black Cohosh was found to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, Sleep problems and irritability. It was also found to be effective in relieving discomforts associated with Menstruation, which is why it is also referred to as Squawroot. The Cherokee and Iroquois Indians were said to use the root as a remedy for rheumatism, boiling the root in a bath in which sore parts of the body could be bathed. In recent years, research has suggested that Black Cohosh, used in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs, can be effective against rheumatoid Arthritis.

After the Civil War, one of the treatments for severe menstrual cramps was the surgical removal of the ovaries. The result of this procedure was often death due to the poor sanitary conditions of the time. A woman named Lydia Pinkham, whose family had a long history of using Black Cohosh to treat feminine ailments, bottled and sold a compound whose primary ingredient was Black Cohosh. Ms. Pinkham made quite a name for herself selling this concoction, so much so that she was still supplying customers with her product long after she and died.

During the 1980s and 1990s many studies were conducted concerning the efficacy of Black Cohosh. In certain studies, nearly 80% of the women involved reported a significant decrease in the physical and mental symptoms of menopause. In another study Black Cohosh, diazepam and Estrogen were given to a group of women. Black Cohosh was found to be more effective than either the diazepam or the Estrogen treatment. The women in the study reported feeling much less anxious and lessened menopausal symptoms including reduced hot flashes.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists have not recommended that the herb be taken long term as the studies that have been conducted have all been short-term studies. The ACOG recognizes the short term benefits of Black Cohosh they recommend that the herb be taken no longer than six months and will not recommend it for long term usage until further studies are done.

Some research has suggested that Black Cohosh might also be effective as an alternative to Estrogen replacement therapy for women suffering with menopausal symptoms, but are unwilling or unable to take Estrogen therapy. In addition, some breast Cancer patients have taken Black Cohosh to help relieve the side effects from the medications used to treat breast Cancer, however, some studies suggest that the herb is no more effective than a placebo.

Studies have also indicated that Black Cohosh might contain phytoestrogens, which are essentially plant Estrogen. It has been argued that the presence of phytoestrogens could stimulate the growth of breast tumors. Results are inconclusive however, as some studies suggest that these plant estrogens may actually reduce the size of tumors.

Modern studies now suggest that the drug interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain that regulate body temperature.

Black Cohosh is a tall, wandlike plant with creamy white flowers which grows in rich shady soil throughout the Eastern United States. It is a member of the buttercup family. Also known as black snakeroot, the roots and rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes.

Black Cohosh contains the sugar compounds glycosides, isoferulic acids which are considered anti-inflammatory, and may contain phytoestrogens. Salicylic Acid and tannins can also be found in the roots as well as glycosides such as acetin, cimicifugoside, and 27 deoxyacteine. In the early 1980s an isoflavone called, formononetin was also identified.

Black Cohosh can be found as a dried root. This can be steeped in hot water and used to bathe sore areas of the body. It can also be used as a Tincture that can be mixed with water and is available in capsules and tablets.

Black Cohosh should not be mistaken for blue cohosh, a similar plant with similar uses but which has not been thoroughly tested. Blue cohosh is believed to act on the body in similar ways as nicotine.

Black Cohosh can be made into a drink which can be drunk like a Tea. Use about 20 grams of dried root in about 34 ounces of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid after it has been reduced by a third and store it in a cool dry place or in the refrigerator.

The recommended dosage is between 40 and 80 milligrams a day. As a Tincture, the dose should be about 2 to 4 millileters a day, three times a day.

Black snakeroot is not recommended for use in children.

The use of herbal treatments, though a time-honored practice, should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. Herbs can contain active substances which can trigger side effects or interact with other herbs or medicines.

Some people have reported Abdominal Pain, joint pain, headaches, dizziness, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, visual dimness and slowed heart rate when taken at high doses. Studies have suggested that the phytoestrogens in Black Cohosh may either increase breast tumor growth or reduce it. Because of this contradictory evidence, women with a history of breast Cancer or those at risk of breast Cancer due to family history should not take Black Cohosh. Pregnant women and women who are breast feeding should also not take Black Cohosh. Some studies suggest that Black Cohosh may stimulate contractions an could cause premature labor.