Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a member of the Berberidaceae family, native to Eastern North America, United States, and Eastern Canada. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, tonic, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Black Cohosh
Scientific Name	Actaea racemosa
Plant Family	Berberidaceae
Genus	Actaea
Species	racemosa
Native Range	Eastern North America, United States, Eastern Canada
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Tonic, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Actaea racemosa
Common Name: Black Cohosh
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Black Bugbane, Black Cohosh, American Bugbane
Plant Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Actaea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Opposite, compound leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Racemes of actinomorphic flowers with white to greenish-white petals, five in number, arranged in a dense, unbranched cluster, featuring a prominent central stamen and a superior ovary.
Stems: Upright growth habit, opposite branching, glabrous surface, and presence of persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Traditionally described as a soothing bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Sedative: In herbal texts, considered a moderate sedative, in rest-related herbal contexts.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a mild antispasmodic, for tension-related applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Plant-derived nitrogenous compounds found in various tissues.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxicity related to this herb has been documented in available sources.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: Plant compounds are extracted using water, glycerin, or other solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.