Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, native to Eastern North America, Eastern Asia, and Northern Europe. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, antispasmodic, and stimulant actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and native american herbal medicine.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga 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	Cimicifuga racemosa
Plant Family	Ranunculaceae
Genus	Cimicifuga
Species	racemosa
Native Range	Eastern North America, Eastern Asia, Northern Europe
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Antispasmodic, Stimulant
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Tincture

Botanical Identity

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

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Crimson to dark red upper surface with lighter green lower surface, stipules present, leaf blades alternate, with marginal stipitate structures.
Flowers: Racemes of actinomorphic flowers with white to pale yellow petals and red to purple staminodes arranged in a single, elongated cluster.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, branched, with opposite, persistent, stipitate leaves and sparsely hairy nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: Commonly referenced as a cooling tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Antispasmodic: As described in traditional systems, a mild antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Stimulant: Traditionally described as a gentle stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a calming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: A diverse group of secondary metabolites present in numerous plants.
Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.
Saponin: A group of glycosidic compounds commonly found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: The use of this herb alongside pharmaceutical medications may result in potential interactions.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
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: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Extract: Plant compounds are extracted using water, glycerin, or other solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.