actaea racemosa

black cohosh

black cohosh

Good for women. See also Blue Cohosh. The root is most commonly used part and is a good phytoestrogen source used traditionally to balance hormones (lowers ovary production of progesterone) and control hot flashes, PMS, gynecological disorders, menopause, depression, nervous disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, sore throat, bronchitis, stimulates menstrual flow, helps curb diarrhea, cough suppressant, lowers blood pressure, tinnitus (ringing ears). Powerful cardiac stimulant, but has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Often taken together with St. John’s Wort. Do not take during pregnancy. Grows up to 8 ft. with columns of white flowers. Leaves look like baneberry which is poisonous, but baneberry has red shiny berries. Test first, Some women have experienced upset stomach. Avoid if you have breast cancer. May cause headaches, nausea, impaired vision, vertigo, miscarriage.