Black Cohosh - Non-Timber Forest Products

tinctures. Native Americans used the roots to treat snakebite, rheumatism,
and female ailments.
Keywords: Habitat, medicinal uses, Native American uses, vendors.
Kliger, B. 2003. Black cohosh. American Family Physician. 68(1): 114-116.
Summarizes information on the use of black cohosh to treat menopausal
symptoms. Includes information on chemical constituents, physiological
actions, adverse reactions, as well as a review of clinical studies.
Keywords: Medicinal uses, research reviews.
Missouri Botanical Garden. 2002. Actaea racemosa. http://www.mobot.
org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=J790. [Date accessed:
September 13, 2004].
Presents information for cultivation and gardening. Black cohosh grows in
hardiness zones 3 to 8. It is an herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae
family, growing four to six feet in height with a two to four feet spread.
Plants prefer average, moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade.
Flowers resemble those of bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) and grow on
long terminal racemes, with no petals but numerous white stamens. Leaves
are deeply cut and compound. The name bugbane comes from the plant’s
unpleasant smell, which repels insects. No serious pest or disease problems
are known, though occasionally rust and leaf spot may appear. If soils dry
out, leaves will turn brown at the margins. Best suited for woodland gardens
or naturalized areas.
Keywords: Cultivation, flowers, habitat, hardiness range, insect deterrent,
light requirements, pests and disease, Ranunculaceae family, soil
requirements.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
2003. Questions and answers about black cohosh and the symptoms of
menopause. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/blackcohosh.html. [Date
accessed: September 13, 2004].
Summarizes black cohosh medicinal uses in a question and answer format.
Includes information about preparations, historical uses, reviews of
significant clinical studies, physiological effects, regulatory status, and side
effects.
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