Planting and caring for black cohosh: varieties, photos. Uses of the cohosh plant (black cohosh) for women's health

Rattlesnake, silver candle, racemosa, snakeroot, black cohosh, black cohosh - all these are the names of one perennial (poisonous) medicinal plant, Cohosh (Actaea racemosa).

The most common name of the plant Cimicifuga (lat.) - black cohosh, comes from the phrase “cimex” - bug and “fago” - drive away. Despite its beauty, the plant received this name because of its unpleasant sweet smell that can repel pests. Therefore, it is still used to this day as a natural and harmless insecticide (chemical preparation for killing insects).

Black cohosh is an evergreen, perennial plant reaching a height of more than 1.5 m. It grows in Siberia and the Far East, its homeland is North America. Source: flickr (William Cullina).

The healing properties of black cohosh were known to the Indians and ancient Chinese healers. With its help, they cured gynecological diseases, relieved childbirth, cured diseases of the musculoskeletal system, inflammation and used it to reduce body temperature. In modern homeopathic therapy, Cohosh extract is used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic (diuretic), sedative (sedative), and as an antidote for snake bites.

Description of the plant and its use

Medical research has long confirmed the effectiveness of the properties of black cohosh. Flowers, stems, leaves, roots and rhizomes are used to make medicine. The raw materials of the plant have a bitter taste and unpleasant odor.

Cohosh has a very rich composition of minerals and nutrients. It contains:

• flavonoids (substances that affect enzyme activity) prevent the development of tumors and viral diseases;
• alkaloids (nitrogen-containing substances) have a positive effect on the nervous system;
• phytoestrogens (natural non-steroidal estrogen) have a beneficial effect on the female hormonal system.
• gum (a carbohydrate, resin contained in the juice of a plant) cleanses the body of toxins and “helps” the functioning of the intestines.

In addition, such important components as starch, sucrose, carotene, magnesium, necessary for the human body - calcium, iron, essential oils, organic acids, were found in the composition of Cohosh.

The famous German homeopath Antoin Petrose began using Actaea racemosa in homeopathy in 1852. In his writings, he describes the medicinal plant as an effective remedy for the treatment of female diseases and menstrual disorders.

The drug affects:

• on the central nervous system;
• on the cardiovascular system;
• on the muscular system;
• on the musculoskeletal system;
• on the genital area;
• on human vision.

Black cohosh extract:

• has a positive effect on the pituitary gland, regulating fat metabolism in the body;
• relieves dysmenorrhea and headaches;
• cures infertility.

If the drug is prescribed on time, it can prevent the development of psychosis and improve the neuropsychic state.

Mental characteristics of the patient

Patients taking Cimicifuga are mostly nervous women of all ages. They have a pale, blue-tinged face, white lips, deeply sunken eyes with blue circles around them.

Their mood changes dramatically - from hysterical joy easily moves to apathy mixed with despair. They are very impressionable and extremely emotional. They know about their mental problems, this frightens them greatly. They often have a fear of going crazy.

A detailed study reveals that among the causes of health problems in Cimicifuga patients are mainly unrequited love, business failures, overexertion, fear of becoming a mother, and postpartum depression. Source: flickr (meha jayaram).

Homeopaths identify the main psychosomatic symptoms characteristic of patients of Cohosh:

1. Confused thoughts, slow mental processes.
2. Feeling like you are going crazy, disappointing thoughts accompanied by headaches.
3. Feeling depressed, feeling like no one needs you.
4. Melancholy, pessimism, suicidal thoughts.
5. Insanity, hallucinations, incoherent speech.
6. Postpartum.
7. Epilepsy attacks.

Indications for use of the drug

The most characteristic symptoms for patients for whom Cohosh is indicated are found in the mental sphere, which are accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, pain that worsens during menstruation. Painful sensations predominate on the left side. The pain is wandering, as with rheumatism. There are a number of symptoms characteristic of the indication for the use of Cohosh solution:

1. Pain in the left breast area, in the left ovary.
2. A feeling of a “weak” stomach that occurs suddenly or due to anxiety.
3. Fainting as a result of excitement.
4. accompanied by dizziness.
5. Pain in the spine.
6. Wandering pain in the uterus.
7. Shooting pain under the breasts (associated with diseases of the ovaries and uterus).
8. Disruptions in the menstrual cycle, scanty, painful.
9. Menstruation accompanied by attacks of neuralgia.
10. Muscle pain, lumbago.
11. Improvement after eating and in fresh cool air.

Administration, dosage and compatibility of the drug

The rule of homeopathy says: “The stronger the poison that was used to prepare the drug, the more effective the medicine prepared from it.”

Note! Considering that black cohosh is a poisonous plant, you must strictly adhere to the dosage and take the drug strictly under the supervision of a doctor. It should be remembered that while taking the medicine, you should not use any allopathic drugs and especially substances containing iodine.

The drug is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is taken in drops, two or three times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 6 months.

Treatment results appear within 1.5 months. In more than 20% of women, mental and allergic manifestations disappear, in the rest, symptoms significantly weaken.

The drug is contraindicated in women with diagnoses such as diabetes and thyroid disease.

Black cohosh is a perennial plant also called Cohosh. The plant belongs to the Buttercup family, and belongs to the Vorontsov genus. Black cohosh naturally grows in deciduous forests in the eastern United States, as it prefers a moderately humid habitat. Such growing conditions made it easy to maintain even outside the United States, in other climatic zones. Thus, black cohosh began to be cultivated at the beginning of the 18th century, sometimes growing entire plantations.

As for other countries, it is not found in the wild, but it is quite successfully grown in greenhouse conditions, which is especially important for large companies that supply raw materials for various dietary supplements, medicinal tinctures and herbs. Yes, black cohosh is considered a medicinal plant, and it is actively used in the manufacture of health-improving medications even in our time. Considering this fact, today we will take a detailed look at the presented plant and find out all its positive, and if there are any, negative sides.

Black cohosh: Main varieties

Black cohosh has several types, each of which is presented in the following list:

This is a kind of standard example of a plant, since it is what is imagined when the word “black cohosh” is mentioned. The plant is large in size and gets its name from its white racemose inflorescences. In medicine and folk recipes, it is the roots of this plant that are most often used. Black cohosh is most often used to create natural preventive and therapeutic products for women's health, since the plant can significantly influence female hormonal levels. Men can also use drugs containing black cohosh, but in this case, its use should not exceed several months, so as not to upset the balance of male and female hormones towards the latter.

Black cohosh cohosh

A less common plant that is also used in the production of some hormonal preparations for both men and women. Black cohosh copes well with female hormonal system disorders, and in men it can stimulate testosterone production.

Black cohosh smelly

The herb is actively used in the creation of various antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and tonic agents. The plant perfectly stimulates the immune system and helps fight colds, exhaustion, and even chronic illness. Black cohosh of this species grows, for example, in Siberia and is also common in Mongolia.

Black cohosh

The plant is notable for the fact that it grows in Russia, the CIS countries and Asia, which once again confirms the fact of the ancient connection of all continents into one super-continent Pangea. Black cohosh of this species has not been fully studied, but it is the one that is used in folk recipes by the indigenous people of Russia, in the absence of other variants of this herb. In general, the plant performed well as a sedative and hypnotic.

Black cohosh branched

The plant is used exclusively in the preparation of medicinal preparations aimed at women, especially those who have undergone childbirth. Black cohosh gets its name from its spreading roots, the shape of which resembles the crown of a tree.

Beneficial features

Black cohosh in pharmacies

Black cohosh has been known for its medicinal properties since the colonization of the United States, when even the Indians used it to prepare various tinctures to boost immunity, as well as as a restorative remedy after illnesses, injuries and starvation. To date, black cohosh has the following identified beneficial properties, such as:

1. Regardless of the type, it is rich in phenolic compounds, tannins, triterpene glycosides, gum, isoflaphone, tannins, phytoestrogens, carotene, starch, sucrose and phytosterol. As you can see, the plant is a storehouse of useful substances, which not every synthetically created dietary supplement can boast of;
2. used in anti-sclerotic drugs;
3. used in the creation of antihypertensive drugs;
4. proved to be excellent in creating sedatives and sleeping pills on a natural basis, which are primarily indicated for pregnant women and young children. The use of synthetic sleeping pills can affect fetal development and cause overdose in children;
5. is one of the most common components in the creation of female dietary supplements and drugs aimed at normalizing hormonal levels, reducing menopause symptoms, and generally improving the condition of the female reproductive system after childbirth;
6. black cohosh preparations are used as additional raw materials when creating natural remedies to increase the production of male testosterone;
7. in South Korea, antidotes are made based on black cohosh root, most often aimed at combating mild food poisoning;
8. used in the creation of drugs against atherosclerosis;
9. used as an auxiliary component in the creation of natural antidiabetic agents at the initial stage.

Collection and preparation

In our latitudes, for the preparation of folk recipes, black cohosh is most often used, the harvesting of which begins in August and lasts until September. During this period, roots and rhizomes are harvested. As for the aboveground part of the plant, primarily the leaves, they can be harvested shortly before flowering, or after, before the grass goes into hibernation due to impending frost.

Black cohosh is also used in folk recipes in our latitudes. Its preparation is very simple, for this you need to find the plant itself, pull it out by the roots, take the root, and throw away the top part of the plant. The roots and rhizomes of black cohosh are used for medicinal purposes. Rhizomes can be harvested in any season, but in summer the plant is much easier to find, for obvious reasons.

In general, there is a universal formula that is relevant for harvesting black cohosh of any variety. So, you should simply dig up the roots and rhizomes of the plant in the fall, after the black cohosh fruits ripen and fall off. It is during this period that the root system will contain the maximum of useful substances that the plant has stored all summer for future replenishment during the winter dormancy period.

Traditional medicine recipes

Black cohosh rhizome

Black cohosh is used primarily in traditional medicine, where various drugs are produced from it, aimed mainly at the female part of the population. Despite this, even now some people resort to folk remedies based on black cohosh, the most effective and common of which are listed below:

Nervous system disorders

If you are experiencing a nervous breakdown against the background of negative shocks, if you are experiencing insomnia, you have symptoms of VSD, and in general you are prone to hysteria, prepare an alcohol tincture of black cohosh. To prepare the tincture, you will need to take 1 tablespoon of black cohosh roots and rhizomes, as well as 1 glass of vodka. Pour a glass of vodka over the roots and rhizomes of black cohosh, close it in an airtight glass container, and leave for 7 days, shaking occasionally. After 7 days, you should take the tincture 20 drops per day until a positive result appears.

Food poisoning and inflammation in the oral cavity

To treat mild food poisoning, as well as bacterial inflammation in the oral cavity, use black cohosh tincture with sugar. To prepare the tincture, take 50 grams of black cohosh roots, rhizomes or leaves crushed into powder, and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over it all. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil over low heat for 2 hours. After you have removed the liquid from the heat, add sugar to it at the rate of 100 grams of sugar for every 100 milliliters of water. Take half a teaspoon of the resulting syrup, 4-6 times a day, until the desired result is obtained. This syrup is also relevant for mild neurological disorders associated with an abundance of negative emotions.

Pain in muscles and joints

If you suffer from muscle or joint pain, use a compress based on black cohosh. To prepare a compress, take dry black cohosh root and boil it in water for 30-45 minutes. After the boiling is over, the resulting water is decanted, a cloth is moistened in it, and it is applied to the sore spot for a period of 20 minutes.

Osteoporosis in women

If you have osteoporosis, prepare a strong alcohol tincture of black cohosh. To prepare, you will need 100 grams of plant roots, which should be poured with 1 liter of vodka. The roots drenched in vodka should be infused for about 1 month, then strained, and the purified solution should be taken orally. The optimal treatment option lasts 4 weeks, maximum up to 3 months. Take 1 dessert spoon of infusion every day, in the morning before meals. The infusion is suitable for use exclusively by women, especially those suffering from menopause. In men, this tincture is guaranteed to cause hormonal imbalance, which will negatively affect both emotional and physical health.

Contraindications

Black cohosh and preparations based on it are prohibited from being used directly during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. Moreover, before using this plant and medicines based on it, you should make sure that you do not have the following health problems, such as:

• allergy to aspirin;
• various types of thrombosis;
• past and possible future strokes;
• various types of convulsions.

It is also worth noting the fact that black cohosh and drugs based on it can have negative consequences when taken in combination with certain hormonal drugs, which means you should definitely consult a doctor before using black cohosh.

People whose bodies have the following characteristics should take black cohosh with caution:

1. periodic or chronic heartbeat at a slow pace;
2. for any type of headache, except for pain in the back of the head due to overstrain of the upper cervical muscles;
3. if you are prone to dizziness, especially if you are driving;
4. with increased sweating;
5. for various visual impairments;
6. for constipation;
7. with current nausea and vomiting.

Preparations based on black cohosh

Today, on the market you can find a sufficient number of drugs that contain black cohosh. The most common, effective and popular preparations containing the extract of the presented plant are listed below:

• AD-Balance;
• Albthera Plus;
• Apriorix;
• Vag Forte;
• Eight (Eith);
• Women's comfort-2;
• Meno-Fix;
• C-Ex.

Black cohosh is increasingly used as a main component in natural estrogen replacement therapy drugs, as they have much fewer side effects compared to synthetic analogues of female sex hormones.

Use in other areas

Black cohosh is practically not used in other areas of human life, except for medicine. The only direction where it is applicable, besides the manufacture of drugs, is the creation of medicinal cosmetics aimed at combating excess oily skin, as well as reducing or completely eliminating acne by reducing inflammatory processes in the sebaceous glands.

In addition, various bath gels, one of the components of which is black cohosh, are becoming increasingly common. Such gels are intended for leisurely bathing, and have a relaxing and tonic effect, and also reduce muscle pain and skin inflammation.

Black cohosh is a not so well-known plant in the folk medicine of the CIS countries, but at the same time it is one of the indispensable components in official medicine, where without it it is difficult to imagine any female hormonal preparation on a natural basis, designed to normalize female hormonal levels. This allows us to confidently say that this plant brings great benefits to all of humanity, and it is likely that in the future scientists will find other beneficial properties for humans.

The plant black cohosh (black cohosh) has been known to mankind since ancient times. As you can easily guess from the name, its insecticidal properties are used in our country, in England the species is included in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a valuable medicinal raw material, and its decorative and spectacular appearance is actively used in gardening. Moreover, black cohosh in 1993 became the winner of the British Award of Garden Merit, which is awarded to garden plants based on the results of testing in gardens or special collections.

Black cohosh: botanical description

This species belongs to the genus Voronets from This is a herbaceous perennial plant with a straight, smooth stem having a rectangular cross-section, and leaves of complex shape that appear directly from the fleshy rhizome. Black cohosh has an impressive size and reaches a height of 1.5 to 2.5 m during the flowering period.

The plant has two types of leaves: basal and petiolate. The first are wide and long, the second are twice or thrice triangulated. The leaves have a rich dark green color with a glossy sheen, their arrangement is sequential. At the height of its growth, the plant is characterized by a very spectacular appearance. A powerful bush is formed by up to 70 oval-shaped leaves with a blade length of up to 12 cm.

Black cohosh blooms from June to September. Racemes up to 1 m long develop at the top of the stem. The flowers are white, pubescent, with an unpleasant bittersweet aroma that attracts mainly flies as pollinators. The fruit is a leaflet (0.5-1 cm in length) with 8 to 10 seeds. It remains on the plant in winter and makes a characteristic sound when the wind blows. For this feature, black cohosh received one of its names in England - rattle weed.

Habitat

Its natural habitat is moist deciduous forests of eastern North America. Thus, black cohosh is found from Massachusetts and Ontario to Missouri, from Wisconsin to Arkansas in the west, from Georgia to Alabama in the south. It prefers moist deciduous forests and edges, banks of streams and rivers, ravines, thickets of bushes and tall grass. Grows well in soils rich in humus. The plant is widespread in the indicated area and is common to these places.

Use in decorative floriculture

Branched is a spectacular perennial, introduced into cultivation back in 1732. It is amazingly beautiful and original thanks to the carved leaves collected in a lush mop. The impression of the plant doubles during the flowering period, when powerful flower stalks appear from the very center. Varieties with different shades of petals have been bred. For example, Pink Spike (photo below). Black cohosh is a long-liver and can grow in one place for 15-20 years without replanting. An excellent choice for a natural garden design.

Black cohosh, photos of which are presented in the article, will be equally good both in single plantings and in a group among the lawn, in mixborders. This is an upper tier plant, so it is worth planting it at the back, in more shady corners, but still in sight. Despite its bitter smell, black cohosh is often used as a cut flower to create autumn bouquets. It gives them grace and lightness and creates an openwork background thanks to the rich carved green foliage. Good neighbors for the plant will be aconites, astilbes, hosta ferns (especially shield ferns and osmundas), bergenia, and also low-growing conifers.

Choosing a site and soil

As mentioned above, the black cohosh plant in its natural growing environment prefers well-moistened places with diffused light. This factor must be taken into account when choosing a site for its planting. Remember that black cohosh does not tolerate transplantation quite well and takes a long time to recover, so it is better to initially choose a permanent place of residence for it. It is then that he will surprise you year after year with his strength of growth and amazing beauty. Give preference to sunny areas with partial shade in the afternoon, well protected from wind and drafts.

The soil for black cohosh should be deeply cultivated, fertile and moderately moist. Avoid wetlands with stagnant moisture. When planting a plant, add humus to the soil and drainage to the bottom of the hole in the form of expanded clay or brick chips.

Plant care

One of the main advantages of the species is that it is an unpretentious plant. Cohosh is resistant to adverse conditions, pests and diseases. Caring for the plant consists mainly of mulching the ground around the bush - this is necessary to retain moisture in the soil, and abundant watering in dry, hot weather. Under the canopy of powerful black cohosh leaves, weeds practically do not develop. In the photo above is the Brunette variety.

Large flower stalks are quite strong, but it is better to tie the tallest ones so that they can withstand strong winds and showers. After the flowering period ends, they can be left until winter. The decorative effect practically does not suffer from this, the flower stalks first become white-green, then the pods appear, eventually they acquire a brown color and resemble a rattle in the wind. In late autumn, when cleaning the garden, it is necessary to prune the plant. Cohosh winters well in our climate, so shelter, as a rule, is not required. Leaves are cut close to the surface of the ground.

Plant propagation

Cohosh can be propagated in two ways: seed and vegetative. In the first case, some gardeners recommend sowing the seeds immediately after collecting them, that is, before winter.

However, the most popular is a different opinion. Cohosh seeds sown fresh most often rot, while 100% germination is observed with certain treatments. They must be stored in a dry place for six months, with the first three months at a temperature of +22 °C, and the second half of the period at +4 °C. Plants grown from seeds begin to bloom after 2-3 years.

Many buttercup plants, including black cohosh, reproduce well by vegetative means.

This can be done by dividing a mother bush aged 5 years and older, or by cutting a bud, a basal shoot with a “heel”. The optimal time is early spring.

Black cohosh (black cohosh): traditional medicine

It is assumed that the healing properties of the plant were known to some Indian tribes of North America long before Europeans appeared on the continent. Cohosh roots were used to prepare decoctions and tinctures. Moreover, their use was not limited to one or another disease. According to written evidence of the 19th century, the Indians used alcoholic tinctures or herbal teas as a sedative, diuretic, for women's diseases, and made lotions and compresses for snake bites, sore joints and backs. Along with some other plants, black cohosh was included in tonic drinks.

Black cohosh (see photo above) attracted the attention of official medicine in the 18-19th century. Between 1820 and 1926, the plant was listed in the American Pharmacopoeia. The list of indications for use included lung diseases, neurotic disorders, rheumatism, swelling of the legs, gynecological diseases, including infertility. The plant is especially popular in herbal medicine.

The opinion of official medicine

Currently, black cohosh is used mainly in the production of biologically active food supplements, which are recommended for women. In 2013, German scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials of various dietary supplements. The results are available for research in journals and medical databases. All drugs were highly tolerable with minimal side effects.

British scientists, however, warn that black cohosh can be dangerous if used for long periods of time. Consuming plant extracts can cause thickening of the uterine lining, which is a risk factor for cancer. The toxic effect of black cohosh on the liver has been repeatedly stated, but this has not been clinically confirmed.

The time that precedes menopause and lasts four years or longer. It is during this period that the first signs begin to appear, indicating that the reproductive period of a woman’s life is coming to an end.

Menopause occurs when a woman has no symptoms for twelve months. Although symptoms continue after menopause, they are usually less frequent and less intense.

Women should proceed with caution if they want to use black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms. There have not yet been large-scale studies examining the risks associated with taking these supplements, but taking black cohosh is known to cause a wide range of side effects.

In addition, the therapeutic value of this plant remains unclear. In addition, it can interact with certain pharmacological products.

Black cohosh is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae family, also known as black cohosh, black cohosh or black cohosh. It grows in eastern North America. There are facts indicating that about a hundred years ago, Native Americans began using black cohosh for the treatment of other symptoms associated with menopause, as well as to facilitate childbirth.

Since 1950, small studies have been conducted in different countries showing the potential benefits of the plant for women who are worried about menopausal symptoms. However at the moment there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this product.

Little is known about how black cohosh affects the body and symptoms of menopause. Most studies have shown that the duration of the positive effect from the use of this remedy does not exceed a period of six months to one year. That is black cohosh is not recommended for long-term use.

Recent research has shown that the plant is highly likely to alleviate symptoms that are caused by an imbalance.

In 2013, another review was published based on several studies. According to the document, the average intensity of hot flashes in women taking black cohosh was lower than in those treated with placebo.

Research aimed at studying the effectiveness of black cohosh has continued. In 2017, the plant was found to be able to regulate body temperature in female rats without ovaries.

What symptoms of menopause does black cohosh help treat?

A list of menopausal symptoms that black cohosh may relieve includes:

• hot flashes;
• excessive sweating or night sweats;
• loss of elasticity and moisture of the external genitalia;
• vaginal dryness;
• sleep disorders;
• mood swings;
• nervousness;
• irritability;
• decreased sex drive;
• cardiopalmus;
• tinnitus;
• dizziness;
• loss of bone density in postmenopausal women;
• heart problems in postmenopausal women;
• decrease in mental performance in postmenopausal women.

Effective servings of black cohosh

The chemical purity, quality and potency of black cohosh supplements may vary. The volume of the recommended dose also depends on the specific product, that is, there cannot be standard recommended portions for intake. It should be remembered that products with black cohosh must be purchased only from reputable and trusted suppliers.

To prepare additives, the roots and underground trunks of the plant are usually taken. Most often, black cohosh is sold in the form of powder, liquid mixtures or extracts in tablet form.

Information regarding the dosage of black cohosh is mainly taken from traditional or theoretical data.

The British Medicines Guide recommends taking 40-200 milligrams of the product in powder form, divided into individual doses and taken throughout the day.

In liquid form, doses of 0.4-2 milliliters of a 60 percent ethanol mixture may be sufficient. To consume the plant in less digestible forms, such as powders or tea, three daily servings of 1-2 grams are recommended.

Other studies have shown benefits from taking 6.5 to 160 milligrams of black cohosh orally for a period not to exceed twelve months. Some studies have shown that menopausal symptoms are relieved after taking forty drops of the plant orally in potion form twice daily for 24 weeks.

Limited research has shown that certain servings of black cohosh may be more effective in treating specific menopausal symptoms.

For breast cancer in women after menopause: one to four 2.5 milligram tablets daily for six months along with tamoxifen or 20 milligrams daily for a year. For heart problems in women after menopause: 40 milligrams three times a day for three months, then a break, then another three months. To improve mental functioning in women after menopause: 128 milligrams daily for 1 year. For problems with bone density in women after menopause: 40 milligrams per day for three months.

Side effects of black cohosh

People who have or have had a number of diseases have an increased risk of side effects when consuming black cohosh.

Modern medicine has little long-term data on the risks of black cohosh.

Additionally, it should be noted that there is a chance of other chemical or botanical ingredients being present in black cohosh supplements. These substances can also be harmful to the body.

Most health authorities insist that if a woman decides to use black cohosh, she should do so for no longer than a year. This is also evidenced by the results of scientific works.

Experts believe that liver problems are the most dangerous complication that can develop from consuming the plant. Women who experience signs of jaundice or other signs of liver disease during treatment with black cohosh should immediately consult a doctor. If severe symptoms occur, seek emergency medical help as a matter of urgency.

A list of common symptoms of jaundice includes:

• yellow skin and eyes;
• severe abdominal pain or cramps;
• nausea and vomiting;
• excessive fatigue not related to physical activity or sleep problems;
• dark urine.

Other symptoms that vary in severity are associated with the consumption of black cohosh.

Since this plant thins the blood, it can provoke bleeding and changes in blood pressure. Such symptoms should be assessed by a doctor if they occur.

Complete list of known side effects of black cohosh

• unusual vaginal discharge or increased volume;
• vaginal bleeding or stimulation of menstrual bleeding;
• deviation in heart rate or change in blood pressure, usually downward;
• thrombosis, especially in the legs;
• recurrence of breast cancer;
• accumulation of fluids in the body;
• headache;
• irritability, mood swings, depression;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• chest discomfort;
• constipation;
• liver damage or liver failure;
• hepatitis;
• muscle weakness;
• slight redness or irritation on the skin;
• eye inflammation;
• nausea and vomiting;
• dizziness;
• excessive;
• epileptic seizures;
• excessive sweating;
• swelling;
• fatigue;
• minor visual disturbances;
• gaining excess weight.

Some people may be at increased risk when consuming black cohosh. In particular, the plant is not recommended for those who use.

Factors that increase the likelihood of side effects

• hormone-sensitive medical conditions such as breast, uterine, endometrial cancer;
• epileptic disorders;
• liver diseases;
• history of strokes;
• pathological conditions associated with blood clots;
• use of drugs that lower blood pressure;
• estrogen treatment and hormone replacement therapy;
• blood thinners and antiplatelet pharmacological products;
• (NSAIDs);
• alcohol.

A number of medications may interact with black cohosh or increase the risk of complications. The list of such funds includes the following:

• drugs for the treatment of liver diseases;
• drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis;
• drugs to treat depression and mood swings;
• drugs for the treatment of epileptic disorders;
• antihistamines;
• drugs for the treatment of cancer;
• drugs to combat cholesterol;

Some people have allergic reactions to black cohosh. This plant may also contain small levels of acetylsalicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin). Therefore, people with an acute reaction to aspirin or allergies should also avoid consuming black cohosh.

Black cohosh may interact with plants or other natural remedies.

Supplements that are used to treat diseases that pose increased risks when treated with black cohosh may also increase the potential for side effects if used concurrently with the plant in question.

Natural supplements that should not be taken with black cohosh include the following:

• chaste vitex;
• biennial aspen;
• blue cohosh;
• ginkgo biloba;
• garlic;
• saw palmetto;
• St. John's wort.

When choosing ornamental plants to decorate a summer cottage, the gardener wants them to help achieve the most striking effect. Therefore, you can often find a plant such as black cohosh in garden plots. It can be described as a spectacular and airy flower that can present even the most ordinary flower garden in a new light.

It looks no less attractive in cases where grown alone. This plant can be considered a “muse” for a gardener, so in recent years it has become quite widely used in landscape design.

Description of black cohosh

This perennial, familiar to many experienced gardeners, is one of the brightest representatives of the Buttercup family. At this moment 15 species of this culture are known, each of which begins to bloom at a different time. Wild species of black cohosh can be found in Siberia, European mountains, as well as temperate latitudes of North America, China, Mongolia, the Far East and the Japanese Islands. Any type of black cohosh gets along well in our climate. After all, they are not afraid of not only spring frosts, but also severe winter colds.

The origin of the name black cohosh is interesting: this word is translated from Latin as "bedbug repellent". The plant received such an unpleasant name at first glance because of black cohosh, which is widely used as an insecticide.

It only costs a little damage this perennial plant, and the air immediately begins to become saturated with an unpleasant-smelling substance. Therefore, it is not surprising that people often call it “common stinkhorn” or “stuffy root”.

This variety is not widely used for decorative purposes. Typically, gardeners prefer varieties that have a more pleasant aroma. The German version, which sounds like “silver candles,” more accurately conveys the meaning of the name of this plant.

Black cohosh attracts attention not only with its elegant appearance, but also with its structure. Leaves that look like large parsley have decorative properties; they are formed immediately from a thick, tall stem. Inflorescences usually have two forms - spike-shaped and racemose.

In those years when the summer is cool, black cohosh may not bloom. However, it still has a considerable number of advantages that are valued in landscape design: vitality, unpretentiousness, frost resistance and durability. It can be grown in one place without transplanting for 25 years. Moreover, year after year it will only add to its attractiveness. And even though the name does not sound so beautiful, this does not in any way extend to its decorative properties, because black cohosh is a very colorful and spectacular plant.

Genus black cohosh includes many types, each of which has its own characteristics, so it is they that you need to pay attention to when choosing an option for creating flower arrangements.

All varieties of black cohosh have their own characteristics, differing from each other in terms of flowering, size and shade of inflorescences.

Secrets of plant care

When growing black cohosh, experience is not particularly important, so even a novice gardener can enjoy the flowering of black cohosh. However certain points need to be taken into account so that the flowers remain bright and rich every season.

How to propagate black cohosh?

Basic methods of plant propagation - sowing seeds, dividing the bush and propagating by cuttings.

Sowing seeds

There is still disagreement among experts regarding the first method of reproduction. Some people suggest that it is best to sow the seeds after they have been collected.

But there is a different opinion on this matter: before sowing the seeds, it is imperative to harden by stratification which is carried out for 6 months.

• during the first three months, the seeds are kept in a dry room at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius;
• the rest of the time, the seeds should be refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius.

Typically, these measures ensure the full development of the embryo, as well as increase the percentage of germination. When the seedlings become adults, they are transferred to a permanent place, making sure to take the earthen ball along with the plants. When using this growing method, flowering occurs within two to three years.

Rhizome division

Plants are propagated by division best in early spring. For this operation it is best use seedlings at the age of 5-6 years. However, keep in mind that the rhizome of black cohosh is very woody, so to obtain planting material you will need a sharp ax or shovel.

Conclusion

When looking for an unpretentious plant to decorate their garden plots, many owners often choose black cohosh. This plant fully lives up to expectations: it is very easy to grow it in our latitudes, including due to the fact that it tolerates any cold well. Therefore, black cohosh can be planted in open ground in early spring without fear of being damaged by frost. However, she still has there are certain features concerning cultivation in open ground conditions. It must be remembered that black cohosh needs regular watering. Moisture should not stagnate in the soil, otherwise the plant may die before it can be transplanted to a permanent location.

black cohosh plant