Cimicifuga
Cimicifuga racemosa
Origin
Indigenous to Canada and eastern parts of the US, but now also grown in Europe. Prefers moist, shady conditions, such as those to be found in woods and hedgerows.
Background
Traditionally used by native Americans for health problems in women. Used in contemporary herbal medicine as a sedative and antidepressant.
Preparation
Fresh root and rhizome are harvested in fall. They are pounded to a pulp, then mixed with alcohol and left to stand before being strained, filtered, and succussed.
Common Names
Black cohosh, black snakeroot, rattleroot, cohosh bugbane, squawroot.
Indigenous to Canada and eastern parts of the US, but now also grown in Europe. Prefers moist, shady conditions, such as those to be found in woods and hedgerows.
Background
Traditionally used by native Americans for health problems in women. Used in contemporary herbal medicine as a sedative and antidepressant.
Preparation
Fresh root and rhizome are harvested in fall. They are pounded to a pulp, then mixed with alcohol and left to stand before being strained, filtered, and succussed.
Common Names
Black cohosh, black snakeroot, rattleroot, cohosh bugbane, squawroot.
BLACK COHOSH
Contemporary German research
has shown that herbal Preparations containing
black cohosh ease hot flashes, affirming the
plant's traditional herbal use
Key Symptoms
depression; neck and back pain; fear of death; overexcitability; menstrual irregularities-
This North American plant's genus name is derived
from the Latin words cimex, "bug," and fugere, "to
flee," a reference to its properties as an insect
repellent. Native Americans used the root to treat
gynecological problems, and its beneficial effect
on conditions arising during menopause was
confirmed in German studies published in 1995.
Cimicifuga was proved in 1852 by Drs. Hempel, Wells,
Paine, and Mears, a team of US homeopaths.
Remedy Profile
Primarily a women's remedy, Cimicifuga is particularly suited to those whose emotions swing between overexcitement and depression. They tend to have very intense emotional lives, possibly marked by fears of death and insanity. Emotional symptoms often alternate with physical ones, such as chilliness and sharp pains, especially on the left side of the body. Symptoms may intensify during menstruation.Cimicifuga acts upon the nerves and uterine muscles. It is prescribed mostly for gynecological problems; for head, neck, and back pain; and for emotional symptoms.
Menopause
Symptoms: Severe hot flashes, fainting spells, and other typical menopausal symptoms, but in an extreme form. Depression and irrational fears are common.Symptoms better: For open air; for bending double; for gentle movement.
Symptoms worse: For cold; for sitting; for emotional stress.
Menstrual problems
Symptoms: Heavy menstrual flow, with darkred, clotted blood, shooting, cramping pains radiating across the pelvis into the thighs, and bearing-down pains in the lower back. Menstruation is often too frequent, too early, or absent. Before menstruation there may be burning breast pain and congestion in the head. Premenstrual syndrome, depression , and irrational fears are commonly associated with the remedy.Symptoms better: For open air; for bending double; for gentle movement.
Symptoms worse: For cold; for sitting; for stress.
Pregnancy
Symptoms: Vomiting, nausea, and lack of sleep. Lower back pain and a bruised feeling all over the body are common, with abdominal pains shooting from side to side. There may be depression and irrational fears. Cimicifuga may also be prescribed for protracted labor and recovery from an early miscarriage.Symptoms better: For open air; for bending double; for gentle movement.
Symptoms worse: For cold; for sitting; for emotional stress.
Head & neck pain
Symptoms: Headaches in the top or side of the head, which may dull thought, or pain or stiffness in the neck or nape of the neck, which may radiate to the upper back or shoulders.Symptoms better: For open air; for wrapping up; for lying flat; for pressure on the neck and head.
Symptoms worse: For cold, wind, drafts, and damp; for weather changes; for physical strain; for menstruating; for menopause; at night.
Depression
Symptoms: Black moods and heavy sighing, alternating with euphoria, loquaciousness, and a tendency to jump from topic to topic. Possible fears of insanity and death worsen with the onset of menopause. Cimicifuga may also be given for postpartum depression, especially when accompanied by feelings of imprisonment.Symptoms better: For open air; for gentle movement.
Symptoms worse: For menstruating; for pregnancy; after giving birth; for menopause.
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