Botanical name: Cimicifuga

Common names: Bugbane, American Bugbane, Black Snakeroot, and Black Cohosh, rattleroot, Bugwort and richweed.

 

Overview: Bugbane is most often used to help relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual cramping and pain. It has also been successfully used to treat rheumatism, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and coughs. It may also have other uses other than listed. If you are considering the use of this herbal substance, check with your doctor prior to taking this herbal medication. Do not confuse Bugbane with blue cohosh—blue cohosh is a very dissimilar herbal supplement which could have damaging effects on your heart.

 

If you have ever been diagnosed with breast Cancer, you should not take Bugbane until talking to your doctor; it is not known whether Bugbane can stimulate breast Cancer growth.

 

Early colonists used Bugbane for yellow Fever, fevers, malaria, bronchitis, dropsy, nervous disorders and uterine problems.

 

Bugbane is the “tried and true remedy for women’s complaints”. It is said to offset the declining Estrogen levels and mimics the hormone’s effects on the body and thusly reduces vaginal dryness, headaches, and dizziness, lessens hot flashes and other hormone-related symptoms.

 

Use of the herb may promote fertility. One of Bugbane’s constituents, ferulic Acid, increases sperm cells viability by defending them from oxidation.

 

Bugbane can also be used as a mild sedative or relaxant. It is considered to help calm the central nervous system, and thusly has been used effectively in treating anxiety, nervous tension and Hysteria.

 

The respiratory system is said to be nourished by Bugbane. It relaxes your bronchial tubes, soothes sore throats and squelches the urge to Cough. Herbalists use Bugbane to treat persistent coughs, Asthma, bronchitis and whooping Cough.

 

Bugbane can also be used as an anti-inflammatory, relieving inflammation, swelling and soreness that are associated with typical rheumatism.

 

Bugbane is thought to lower the heart rate while increasing the strength and force of the pulse, and could possibly have mild cardiac tonic effects, especially on hearts that are fatty.

 

Bugbane can also reduce Muscle spasms and cramps. It is also thought to stimulate secretions from the liver, kidneys, spleen and lymphatic system.

The plant Bugbane was discovered by Mary Ann McGourty of Hillside Gardens, Connecticut. It is a lacy, airy backdrop for your garden and is native to the edges of woodlands in eastern North America. You will notice Bugbane for its masses of dark purplish-black foliage which is contrasted with its long, white bottlebrush blooms. Young Bugbane foliage appears green but quickly transforms to an iridescent purple-black color. In the late summer, Bugbane stems are 4 to 7 feet tall and are topped with their fragrant white blooms, blushed with pale pink coloring. Bugbane attracts butterflies and flies, which pollinate the plant.

Bugbane is comprised of extracts from the root of the plant.

 

Bugbane is available most commonly in capsules; however it also comes in liquid Tincture and teas.

 

You should take Bugbane as directed on the package or as per your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider’s direction. Taking standardized tinctures, extracts and solid formulations will provide a more reliable dose of Bugbane. If you are taking the capsule/pill form of Bugbane, you should do so with a full glass of water. If you are using a liquid form, ensure that you are measuring with a dropper or measuring spoon to ensure you are getting the correct dosage. You can also purchase and brew a form of Bugbane into a Tea for drinking. However, you should not use more than one formulation (tablets, liquids, teas, etc.) of Bugbane at the same time unless directed to by your physician.

You should store your Bugbane as directed on the package. Generally, it should be kept from light and moisture.

If you have ever been diagnosed with breast Cancer, you should not take bugbane until talking to your doctor; it is not known whether Bugbane can stimulate breast Cancer growth.

Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you think you are pregnant or could become pregnant. While it is not known if Bugbane could harm a fetus, it has been reported to cause uterine stimulation and could potentially cause a miscarriage or premature birth if taken in large doses.

 

If you are breast-feeding a baby, you should seek medical advice before taking Bugbane. It isn’t known if Bugbane will harm a nursing infant.

 

Because Bugbane has not yet been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness, purity or safety, the potential risks and advantages of Bugbane are not yet known. Thusly, there are no regulations for manufacturing standards in place. You should only purchase Bugbane from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination with toxic metals or other drugs.

 

If you have allergies, especially to any plants, have a medical condition or if you take any other medicines or herbal supplements, talk to your doctor before taking Bugbane. In some situations, Bugbane is not recommended for you to take.

 

No information is available regarding children using Bugbane. You should consult with your child’s pediatrician before giving any herbal supplement to your child.

 

There are generally no restrictions on activities, food or beverages while you are taking Bugbane, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

Before taking any other medications with Bugbane, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Drug and herbal supplement interactions with Bugbane are not well known.

 

If you have a heart condition, you should avoid using Bugbane, as it may cause low Blood pressure.

 

If you suspect you have overdosed on Bugbane, seek medical attention immediately. While symptoms of overdosing on Bugbane are not well known, it could include Nausea, dizziness, seizures, visual disturbances, reduced pulse rate and increased sweating. Some of the symptoms may exhibit as symptoms of poisoning. If you are unsure if you have overdosed or not and are experiencing any symptoms that are new, seek medical attention immediately.

 

It is possible, although rare, to have an allergic reaction to Bugbane. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Bugbane and seek medical attention. Possible symptoms of severe allergic reaction to Bugbane may include breathing difficulties, swelling of face, lips or tongue, hives or closing of your throat. If you experience severe allergic reactions, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

 

Large doses of Bugbane have been reported to cause Nausea, dizziness, seizures, visual disturbances, reduced pulse rate and increased sweating. The most common side effect of Bugbane has been reported as stomach upset. Other side effects may occur for each individual. If they are bothersome or unusual, stop taking the medication and speak to your doctor.