black cohosh

Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) is a deciduous plant with beautiful small creamy white, fragrant with long terminal racemes resembling fluffy spiral rising well above the foliage on wiry stems. This plant is commonly called cohosh which comes from an Algonquin word meaning rough, in reference to the appearance of plant rhizomes

This species of Actaea is native to eastern North American from south of Ontario to central Georgia, and west of Missouri and Arkansas. The roots and rhizomes have long been used medicinally by Native Americans. Extract from these plant materials are thought to possess analgesic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. In contemporary use, black cohosh is mainly used as a dietary supplement marketed for women as remedies for the symptoms of premenstrual tension, menopause, and gynecological problems.