Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial flowering herb that is a member of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It bears characteristic spikes of small, white, fragrant flower clusters called “racemes”. Plants can grow up to 4 to 6 feet in height and take about 3 years to mature.
Common names: black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, rattle-top, or fairy candle.
The name “cohosh” is thought to be derived from Algonquian (Eastern Abenaki / Penobscot) ‘*kkwὰhas’, meaning ‘rough’, possibly in reference to its leaves or flowers.
Black cohosh was exported to Britain for flower gardens in the early 18th century, but its true medicinal value gained recognition among wider American-European populations in the 19th century.
Distribution: Native to eastern North American woodlands from southern Ontario and Quebec down to Georgia.
Medicinal parts: roots and rhizomes
Therapeutic compounds: Triterpene glycosides, phenolic compounds, Salicylic acid.
Main Therapeutic action:
Traditionally, black cohosh was used by indigenous North Americans to treat snake bite, fever and aches and pain, along with being used to help support women during labour and menstrual discomfort.
Women’s Hormonal Health
With active anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant compounds, black cohosh has a variety of medicinal applications. It is best known for its beneficial effects on women’s hormonal health. Studies have found among perimenopausal/menopausal women, black cohosh can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes, irritability and sleep disturbances.
Black cohosh can be helpful in treating PMS and painful periods including menstrual cramping.
Preparations of black cohosh have also been found to help ease anxiety, musculoskeletal pain and nervous tension.
Folklore: Black cohosh is associated with protection, love and warding off negative energies. It also is considered to hold feminine energy, symbolizing empowerment, growth and transformation.
Did you know?
Blue cohosh, despite its similar name and use for women’s health is part of another genus altogether?
Black cohosh at St. Francis Herb Farm
“We have some Black cohosh for our 2026 gardens – as a woodland plant this will require a bit of planning, a lot less effort though than trying to get the seeds to germinate!
From our Farm Manager, Deedee
Woodland plants require very specific conditions to thrive, certain ranges of light, canopies of trees to control moisture and light, and the rich microbiome of hardwood forest topsoil and tree litter. Commercially, Black Cohosh is cultivated in a similar manner to Ginseng – under shade cloths!
As a rare plant, wild harvest is not ethical, so we rely on growers to provide this medicine for our women’s formulas and single herb tincture.”
Fact: Black cohosh flowers support pollinators, including birds, bees and is a host plant to several types of butterflies.
St. Francis Formulas Featuring Black Cohosh:
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Menopause SupportFrom: $23.49 -
Menstrual TonicFrom: $25.49 -
Black Cohosh ~ Painful MenstruationFrom: $21.99 -
Menopause Support Capsules$44.99
