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BLACK COHOSH
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(Cimifuga racemosa) Top Pick
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Other Names
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Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugbone, Bugwort, Cimicifuga, Rattleroot, Rattleweed,
Richweed, Squawroot.
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Description
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Black Cohosh is a perennial that native to North
America. It thrives in the mountanous woody areas. The knotty rootstock grows up
to 9 feet tall producing small white flowers that bloom from May through
August.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Use Black Cohosh to treat rheumatoid arthritis, muscular and neurological pain,
and to reduce spasms. Use it to treat asthma, reduce high blood pressure, whooping cough, and
arthritis. Black Cohosh also contains a natural source of estrogen so it is often
prescribed for menstrual and menopausal discomforts, and to slow the growth of prostate
tumors. It
also helps you to relax, promotes labor, and eases delivery.
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Combinations
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Blue Cohosh, Bogbean.
For menstrual problems combine with Chamomile, Ginger, and
Raspberry.
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Constituents
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Resin, Ranuncolin, Salicylic Acid, Tannin, Inositol, Silicon, Phosphorus,
Volatile Oils.
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Action
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Emmenagogue, Anti-Spasmodic, Alternative, Sedative, Nervine, Tonic, Astringent,
Diuretic.
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Food Values
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Vitamin A, Phosphorus, Silicon.
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Part Used
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Root, Rhizome.
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Collection
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Harvest the roots in the fall after the fruit has
ripened. Cut lengthwise and dry thoroughly.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Follow the directions on the package.
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Decoction
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Boil 2 Tsp. rootstock in ½ liter of water. Let
cool. Take 2 Tbsp. six times per day.
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Fluid Extract
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Take 5 - 30 drops per dose.
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Infusion
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Boil ½ Tsp. powdered root per cup of water for 30
minutes. Let cool.
Take three times per day. It has a very unpleasant
aroma and bitter taste that can me partially masked by adding lemon and
honey
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Tincture
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Take 3 ml three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Plant the seeds in the spring.
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History
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Black Cohosh was used as far back as 1876 to treat menstrual
problems. Indians drank the herb for fatigue, sore throat, and snake
bites. It was
named Black Cohosh because of its dark medicinal roots.
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Additional Information
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1. The Chinese use a related plant for headache, measles, diarrhea, and some
gynecological problems.
2. Black Cohosh has an estrogen like component that supports its traditional
use for menstrual problems, however herbs with estrogen like qualities should be used
carefully.
3. In Germany Black Cohosh is a key ingredient in three drugs prescribed for
menopausal discomforts.
4. Studies show other possible uses may include the treatment of prostate
cancer, high blood pressure, as an anti-inflammatory, and to reduce blood sugar
levels.
5. Research has isolated the chemical that mimics
estrogen.
6. Another study found Black Cohosh contains glycoside acetein, a Steroidal
derivative effective in lowering blood pressure in animals.
7. Black Cohosh has a long history of safe use.
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Cautions
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1. Do not use in the early stages of pregnancy.
2. Large doses may cause symptoms of poisoning.
3. If you have or have had estrogen dependent cancers do not use Black Cohosh
without medical supervision.
4. Large doses may cause nausea, dizziness, or
vomiting.
5. Do not use if you have heart disease.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Powers:
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Love
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Magickal Uses:
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Use Black Cohosh in love sachets and incense.
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