Black Cohosh - Non-Timber Forest Products

hemorrhage, epilepsy, smallpox, and gonorrhea. Medicinal actions are
described.
Keywords: Chemical constituents, eclectic physicians, history, medicinal
uses, physiological actions, preparations.
Felter, H.W. 1922. The Eclectic Materia Medica, pharmacology and
therapeutics. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/felter/Cimicifuga.
html. [Date accessed: September 13, 2004]. [Scanned version by M.
Moore 2001–2002].
Provides historical information on the medicinal uses of black cohosh as
described by the eclectic physicians. Indications for use included muscle
soreness, aching, rheumatism, lumbago, stomach-ache, pain in the ovaries
or uterus, afterbirth pains, irregular menstruation, and chorea. Excessive
doses have caused headache, nausea and vomiting, vertigo, vision
impairments, and reduced circulation. The therapeutic effects of the drug
are described in detail.
Keywords: Chemical constituents, eclectic physicians, history, medicinal
uses, side effects.
Felter, H.W.; Lloyd, J.U. 1898. King’s American dispensatory. 18 th ed.,
3 rd rev. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/Cimicifuga.html.
[Date accessed: September 13, 2004]. [Scanned version by H. Kress
2000–2001].
Presents a thorough historical account of black cohosh, with a technical
botanical description, chemical constituents, medicinal uses and actions,
and preparations. Common names and their sources are discussed. Native
Americans used black cohosh medicinally long before European settlement.
The eclectic physician John King introduced the plant to commercial use in
the 1830s. The history of research into chemical constituents is provided.
Small doses of black cohosh have been found to improve the appetite and
digestion, although large doses increase secretions from the kidneys and
skin and decrease circulation. Excessive doses can cause nausea, vomiting,
vertigo, and impaired vision, but are not fatal. The most prominent
medicinal treatments include those for rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular
pains, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, afterpains,
chorea, asthma, spasmodic afflictions, headache, and fevers.
Keywords: Botanical description, chemical constituents, eclectic physicians,
history, medicinal uses, physiological actions, preparations.
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