Perennial herb and attractive border plant with spires of creamy-white bottle-brush flowers known as Fairy Candles. Grows to about 5 ft (1.5 m) high. Name comes from the Latin "cimex - bug, and "fugere" - to run (because of its insect-repellant properties. Member of the Buttercup family. Also known as Bugbane. Found in the wild in shady woods in North America and Canada. Flowers July to September.

Cohosh is a native American Indian word meaning "rough", referring to the plant's root texture.

Native American Indians used the root for women's problems, helping in childbirth and relieving pain after, and as an antidote to poison and rattlesnake venom. It is also known, therefore, as Squaw Root and Black Snake Root. Historically, any American female caught with Black Cohosh was deemed to be a witch and burnt.

It can be taken internally for bronchial infection. It relieves asthma, tinnitus and rheumatic problems. Black Cohosh brings down cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure, relieves sinusitis. Put in sachets to attract love. Use as a bath infusion for impotency. Powerful painkiller, relieving arthritis, muscle and nerve pain.

Plant in partial shade in moist, fertile soil.

CAUTION - LARGE DOSES MAY INDUCE ABORTION SO DO NOT TAKE IF PREGNANT. BLACK COHOSH MAY ALSO POISON in LARGE DOSES.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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