Black Cohosh Root

Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Relaxing

Actions: Antispasmodic (Relax spasms & cramps), Emmenagogue (Encourages menses), Nervine (Supports the nervous system)

Found In: Moon-a-pause and Happy Period 

Black Cohosh thrives in old-growth forests and places of great biodiversity; therefore, in our modern age, as we lose such old-growth forests, wild Black Cohosh plants are at risk¹. For our Xula products, we only use cultivated Black Cohosh–never wildcrafted. Black Cohosh was a revered remedy for the indigenous people of North America². The name “cohosh” is from the language of the Algonquian people². This word means “rough”, referencing the texture of the rhizome².

Commonly considered a “women’s herb”, Black Cohosh is one of the top specific remedies for painful menstruation as well as menopausal complaints³. With its antispasmodic effect, Black Cohosh can ease cramping in the muscles, making it a helpful remedy for menstrual cramps as well as the muscle aches and arthritic complaints that accompany menopause. As a nervine, Black Cohosh can help relax nervous tension and tend to psychological depression (specifically brooding feeling- as if a “black cloud” hovers above)⁴. Since this herb is energetically cool, it can also help remedy hot flashes and sweating experienced during menopause.

1. Lonner, J. April (2007). Medicinal Plant Fact Sheet: Cimicifuga racemosa / Black Cohosh.
2. Einbond, L. S. (2009). Black cohosh: chemopreventive and anticancer potential. In Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population (pp. 193-227). Academic Press.
3. Borrelli, F., & Ernst, E. (2008). Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for menopausal symptoms: A systematic review of its efficacy. Pharmacological Research, 58(1), 8-14. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2008.05.008
4. Patel, P. (2015). Does Black Cohosh Improve Anxiety/Depression Symptoms in Women Who Are Postmenopausal?.