Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial plant native to North America. Its also found growing wild in Europe, having been self-seeded from cultivated plants. The word Cohosh is a Native American word which means rough referring to the plants gnarled root structure. Throughout history Black Cohosh root has also been known as snakeroot, black bugbane, and rheumatism weed. It was given the name bugbane because the flowers have such a strong odor, and have been used to effectively repel insects.
Black Cohosh grows from four to eight feet in height. It has a stem with tiny white flowers that have numerous stamens. But its the roots and rhizomes (underground stems) that are important to make dietary supplements.
Black Cohosh has a long history of use by Native Americans and European settlers. The Native Americans used Black Cohosh as a supplement to balance menstrual cycles*, while the European settlers used it as a tonic to support womens reproductive health.*
In the 1990s Black Cohosh became popular as a growing number of women sought more natural alternatives for menstrual issues and hot flashes associated with menopause.*
