Black cohosh relieves sinusitis and asthma by reducing congestion and mucous buildup; it eases coughing spasms, too. This herb helps bring down cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure, combats rheumatic pain, and helps ease some forms of arthritis. Black cohosh is also a traditional remedy for hot flashes and menstrual cramps. Used externally, black cohosh—sometimes called bugbane—reduces the irritation of insect bites by working to neutralize any poisonous residue.
DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED
This pretty native American plant is a cousin to the buttercup. A perennial that makes a showy backdrop for smaller herbs, it is an excellent addition to an outdoor garden. Each plant produces a long stalk that divides itself into several branches; each branch bears long plumelike clusters of strong-smelling white flowers. The root is the repository of the medicinal constituents. (more…)
