Black Snakeroot, known by its botanical name, Actaea racemosa L, Cimicifuga racemosa, is also commonly referred to as Black Cohosh, Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Fairy Candle and Squawroot.

 

 

This herb gets many of its common names from Native Americans, who had discovered its medicinal properties at least 200 years ago. The root of the Black Snakeroot was found to help relieve many of the symptoms associated with menopause including hot flashes, mood swings, Sleep problems and irritability. It was also found to be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps. Native Americans used the root for a number of remedies ranging from snakebite to female ailments, which accounts for the common names Snakeroot and Squawroot. The Cherokee and the Iroquois of New York were both said to use the root for rheumatism as well, infusing the root in foot baths as well as bathing sore parts of the body with it. Research in recent years have suggested that black snakeroot, used in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective against rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

During the 1800's, one of the treatments for severe menstrual cramps was the surgical removal of the ovaries. Poor sanitary conditions often meant that this was a fatal procedure. Due to the efforts of a woman named Lydia Pinkham, who bottled and marketed a concoction made up of Black Snakeroot, the herb gained a large following. Compared to surgery and possible death, the relief gained through the compound was a far better option.

 

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, many studies have looked into the medicinal properties of Black Snakeroot and whether there was any scientific validity for its use. In some studies, nearly 80% of the women involved reported improved physical and mental menopausal symptoms. In another study, menopausal women were given black snakeroot extract, Estrogen or diazepam. The women taking Snakeroot reported feeling significantly less anxiety than those with either the Estrogen or the diazepam. In study after study black snakeroot improved anxiety, menopausal symptoms and reduced hot flashes.

 

Because the studies were of a short term nature, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not recommend that the extract be taken long-term. While the ACOG recognizes the short term benefits of the herb, it cannot recommend it for long term usage until further studies are done.

 

Black snakeroot may also be effective as an alternative to Estrogen replacement therapy for women who cannot take Estrogen for menopause. Some breast Cancer patients take black snakeroot extract to relieve the side effects from some of the medications used to treat breast Cancer. Results for this use are varied and some studies suggest that it is no more effective than a placebo.

 

Some studies have indicated that black snakeroot may contain phytoestrogens, or plant Estrogen and the presence of this in the extracts may stimulate the growth of tumors in the breast. The results are far from conclusive and some studies indicate quite the opposite: that phytoestrogens may actually reduce the growth of breast tumors.

 

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

 

 

Black snakeroot is found in rich shady soil throughout the eastern areas of the United States. A tall, wandlike plant with creamy white flowers, Black Snakeroot is a member of the buttercup family. Also known as black cohosh, which is derived from the Algonquin name for it, it's roots and rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes. It is also known as Bugbane, squawroot and Bugwort.

 

 

The herb black snakeroot contains glycosides, which are sugar compounds, 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 snakeroot can be found in liquid form as a Tincture that can be mixed with water, capsules, tablets and as a dried root that can be steeped in hot water for bathing sore areas or for drinking. Black snakeroot, which is also known as black cohosh, should not be mistaken for blue cohosh, which is a similar plant with similar uses but which has not been thoroughly tested. It is believed that blue cohosh might act in the body in the same manner as nicotine.

 

 

Black snakeroot can be made into a drink by adding the dried root to water. A good dosage is about 20 grams of dried root to about 34 ounces of water. Bring this to a boil and then simmer it for about 30 minutes. The liquid should be reduced by about a third. The resulting liquid should be strained and stored in a cool dry place or in a refrigerator.

 

The recommended dosage for black snakeroot is between 40 and 80 milligrams a day. Capsules or tablets should be available in varying doses. If using the Tincture, this equals approximately 2 to 4 millileters a day, three time 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.

 

Taken at high dosages, some people have reported experiencing Abdominal Pain, dizziness, joint pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, headaches, tremors, Vomiting, visual problems and slowed heart rates. Some studies suggest that the phytoestrogens believed present in black snakeroot could stimulate the growth of breasts Cancer cells. Other studies suggest that it could reduce the growth of tumor cells. Because of the contradictory evidence associated with black snakeroot, women with a history of breast Cancer or those at risk of breast Cancer due to family history should not take black snakeroot without talking to their doctor.

 

Pregnant women should not take black snakeroot. Studies have suggested that the herb could stimulate contractions and may cause premature labor.

 

 

At this time there are no known drug interactions between black snakeroot and other medicines or supplements.