cohosh
/kəˈhɒʃ
/noun
Either of two medicinal plants native to North America:
- (also black cohosh) A plant of the buttercup family, with small white flowers (Cimicifuga racemosa, family Ranunculaceae). (also blue cohosh) A plant of the barberry family (Caulophyllum thalictroides, family Berberidaceae)..
- Black cohosh should not be confused with the blue cohosh herb (also known as Caulophyllum thalictroides), which is used for different indications and has a greater potential for toxicity.
- Research on natural hormone-like phytoestrogenic compounds - isoflavones - that are found in soy, red clover, black cohosh, etc., suggests that these ‘plant hormones’ can slow bone loss.
Origin
Late 18th century: from Eastern Abnaki.