Chemical Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (acetin, cimicfugoside), phytoestrogens, isoflavonesn (formononetin), isoferulic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin (cimifugin), salicylates, potassium, magnesium.
Contraindications: Excess usage irritates nervous system and can cause nausea. Avoid during pregnancy, except during final stages of pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage. Not for use during breast feeding. Avoid if one has heart conditions. Large doses can cause low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting. Can increase interocular pressure, so avoid for people with high eye pressure.
Comments: Native to North America. The genus name Cimicifuga is from the Latin cimicus, meaning 'insect' and fugare, 'to drive away' as it drives away insects. Black refers to the dark colored rhizome. Cohosh is an old Indian word meaning 'dark'. In the 1800's Black Cohosh was used to treat scarlet fever, smallpox and whooping cough.
This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.
