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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
BLACK COHOSH
Image| RECOMMENDED for PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY! High doses (as much as 1 tsp of the root or 2 tsp of the liquid extract) are dangerous! |
 Excess causes headaches, vertigo, tremors, low pulse, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and irritation to the nervous system.If these symptoms appear, seek medical assistance immediately! |
A tall, stately perennial with a large, knotty root (black skinned with white to brown waxy interior) having long, slender fibers. Native to eastern Canada and the United States growing 3 to 8 feet in height with large, rich green leaves ternately decompound; leaflets cuneate to cordate at the base, 1 to 4 inches long, becoming pinnate further up the plant; flowers small, white, with an unpleasant odor, in long wand-like racemes, sometimes panicled; 2 to 5 sepals, petaloid, falling early; petals horned, mostly 2-lobed; many stamens; 1 to 8 pistils, sessile or stipitate with many ovules; rhizome a thick, hard, knotty mass with short branches and a bitter acrid taste.
MEDICINAL:
Bitter, tonic, alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenogogue, estrogenic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive (effects have not been definitely verified, although some peripheral vasodilation was observed), slightly narcotic, nervine, sedative (arterial and nervous systems), uterine stimulant, and vasodilator. Also a possible cardiac stimulant and is said to increase gastric secretions as well as lower body temperature by dilating blood vessels; plant properties responsible for these and the hypotensive effects is best extracted in alcohol rather than water.Affects reproductive, nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems. Effects include the ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites. Has been combined with Squaw vine and Raspberry during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy to prepare the body for childbirth, but is not recommended unless under the care of a physician. Has been combined with blue cohosh for uterine conditions.Has been used internally for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscular and neurological pain, neuralgia, toothache, urine retention, bronchial infections, menstrual problems (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, ovarian and uterine cramping, PMS), menopausal problems, childbirth labor, postpartum pain, rheumatism, sciatica, and tinnitus (depresses the central nervous system and inhibits vasomotor centers involved in inner ear balance and hearing explaining its use to ease tinnitus; has usually been combined with ginkgo or prickly ash).In a study of menopausal women, the half given the extract of the root showed significant increase in estrogenic activity and a reduction of hot flashes. In another study, vaginal dryness was relieved and compared favorably in effectiveness to pharmaceutical estrogen. However, its use must be monitored carefully BY A PROFESSIONAL and USED FOR A LIMITED PERIOD. Has also been used for premenstrual discomfort and painful periods.Has often been combined with Bogbean, Parsley and/or Willow bark for arthritis and rheumatism. Was used for rheumatic complaints by early North American settlers and was being used in New York hospitals in the 19th century for this purpose. The whole root was placed in whiskey to extract its properties.Has been used for high blood pressure and to equalize circulation. Traditionally taken as a capsule, pill, or tincture for high blood pressure.Its history includes use for scarlet fever, measles, smallpox, asthma, scrofula, St. Vitus dance, epilepsy, convulsions, dropsy, spinal meningitis, delirium tremens, bronchitis, pulmonary conditions, intercostal myalgia, sciatica, whooping cough, pericarditis, angina pectoris, male gonorrhea, spermatorrhea, seminal emission, lack of libido, dyspepsia and hysteria.Has been used at times for panic attacks (often combined with skullcap, passionflower, valerian, or lemon balm).Once used in syrup form for coughs, whooping cough, liver and kidney problems. Was traditionally taken as a tea for lung complaints.Used by Native Americans for snakebite and has been used externally to heal sores and puncture wounds. The bruised root was applied locally to snakebite as an antidote.
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLYHOMEOPATHIC:OTHER: