black cohosh

noun

1
: a large perennial herb (Cimicifuga racemosa synonym Actaea racemosa) native to moist woodlands of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has ternately compound leaves and clusters of small white flowers
2
or less commonly black cohosh root : the rhizome and roots of the black cohosh used especially to treat symptoms of menopause
also : a preparation or extract of this root used as an herbal remedy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Many women ask about phytoestrogens (such as in soy protein or red clover) and other herbs with estrogenic activity (such as black cohosh). Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 July 2022 For easing symptoms, Dr. Fromberg recommends black cohosh (a nonestrogenic herb), maca (an Andean root), and vitex (also known as chasteberry). Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2022 Lovers of native flowers may already be familiar with some of the selections, including various trillium species, Virginia bluebell, wild ginger, cardinal flower, lobelia, bloodroot, blue and black cohosh, blazing star and Allegheny spurge. Chris M. Worrell, cleveland, 13 Jan. 2021 There’s also ingredients including black cohosh that help relieve six symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2020 Yenzirbo used a makeshift metal digger crafted from an old golf club to point out a four-lobed ginseng plant growing on a steep slope among a mosaic of other medicinal plants—black cohosh, goldenseal, nettle. Greg Kahn, National Geographic, 9 Jan. 2020 Some types of black cohosh, a popular herbal supplement, have been associated with liver poisoning. The Economist, 12 Dec. 2019 Some women swear by herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, soy and red clover, but studies on their effectiveness have been mixed. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 24 Sep. 2019 For example, soy and black cohosh have been known to help with night sweats and hot flashes. Ladan Nikravan Hayes, Cincinnati.com, 13 June 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'black cohosh.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of black cohosh was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near black cohosh

Cite this Entry

“Black cohosh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black%20cohosh. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Medical Definition

black cohosh

noun
1
: a large perennial herb (Cimicifuga racemosa synonym Actaea racemosa) native to moist woodlands of the eastern U.S. and Canada and having racemes of small white flowers
2
also black cohosh root : the rhizome and roots of the black cohosh used especially to treat menopausal symptoms
also : a preparation or extract of this root used as an herbal remedy
… a year-long study involving 351 women published last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that 160 milligrams of black cohosh a day was no more effective than a sugar pill. Rita Rubin, USA Today

Note: Black cohosh is also called black snakeroot and bugbane.

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