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Black cohosh, also known as black cohosh, is a plant with medicinal properties that can often be found in gardens and vegetable gardens. Growing black cohosh is quite simple, but you need to know the basic rules.
Description
The cimicifuga plant belongs to the Buttercup family and is a perennial that can grow up to 20 years in one place. The stem of the plant is straight and long, up to 1,5-2 m in height, the leaves are large and growing from the root. Black cohosh blooms in early summer and until autumn, produces long white brushes of small flowers with slight pubescence.
From the photo of the black cohosh, you can be sure of the external beauty of the plant, but the flowers of cimicifuga emit a rather unpleasant sweet smell. But this aroma repels parasitic insects, hence the second name of the plant – black cohosh. In addition, the plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties, so the unpleasant aroma does not reduce the popularity of cimicifuga among gardeners and gardeners.
The homeland of the racemose cimicifuga is North America, but currently cimicifuga is cultivated in central Our Country and Mongolia, in Pakistan and India, Nepal and China.
Cultivation
Due to its decorative and beneficial properties, cimicifuga is highly respected by gardeners. It is not difficult to grow a perennial plant – black cohosh adapts easily to almost any conditions and does not impose strict requirements on soil and lighting.
Cimicifuga crew
Reproduction of cimicifuga can be carried out by seeds or young seedlings. It is better to sow cimicifuga seeds in spring, and young plants can be rooted in open ground both in spring and autumn, racemose cimicifuga quickly takes root in a new place.
- The plant is hardy and tolerates almost any conditions. Black cohosh feels good in bright light, but in nature it grows more often in shaded areas – therefore, in the garden, it is better to choose a place closed from direct sunlight for it.
- The soil for black cohosh is better to choose nutritious and loose, so the perennial will get stronger faster. Cymicifuga racemose also treats poor soils calmly, but does not like excessive moisture and stagnant water. Therefore, the landing site should be well aerated, the close occurrence of groundwater is undesirable.
Before planting the plant in the ground, it is necessary to prepare the soil. To do this, the selected area is carefully dug up and a nutrient mixture consisting of peat, humus and a small amount of sand is introduced into the ground. Also, mineral fertilizers can be immediately applied to the soil, in the first stages of growth they will be very useful for the racemose cimicifuga.
- The depth of the planting hole for the plant should slightly exceed the root system of the young black cohosh, usually they dig a hole about 40 cm deep.
- Drainage is organized at the bottom of the landing hole – a layer of 8-10 cm is poured from small pebbles, expanded clay or broken bricks. A small amount of nitrogen fertilizer is applied to each well.
- On top of the drainage, the pit is half filled with earth, and a black cohosh seedling is carefully lowered from above, trying not to damage the roots.
- The planting hole is covered with soil to the top, the ground is lightly tamped at the stalk of the cimicifuga, and then immediately watered with warm water.
- If you plan to plant several plants, you need to leave a sufficient distance of at least 60 cm between them – cimicifuga grows quite quickly.
After planting and watering, it is recommended to mulch the ground with dry peat with a layer of several centimeters. A layer of mulch will not only deliver additional nutrients to the roots of the black cohosh, but also prevent premature evaporation of moisture.
Aftercare
Caring for the racemose cimicifuga can be considered very simple. Basically, it comes down to periodic watering and occasional feeding of the plant.
- In spring and autumn, black cohosh usually has enough natural soil moisture. However, in the dry summer months, it is better to water the plant from time to time – the cimicifuga does not like a serious drought. Watering is carried out infrequently – 1 time in 3 weeks will be enough. But at the same time, it is necessary to moisten the earth abundantly so that the water penetrates deeper into the soil – the roots of the black cohosh are branched and long.
- After watering, the soil must be loosened so that more oxygen penetrates the soil. In addition, regular loosening helps prevent the growth of weeds that adversely affect the health of the racemose black cohosh. Also, the soil at the roots can be mulched with straw or dry peat – this will reduce the frequency of weeding and watering.
- Black cohosh needs to be fed immediately after planting, usually mineral fertilizers are applied directly to the planting hole. The first feeding of the racemose black cohosh lasts for a long time, up to 3 years of life, and subsequently the soil needs to be fertilized annually in early spring – it is recommended to use standard phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen substances. This stage is optional – black cohosh grows quite well without additional feeding, however, if it is present, it blooms more magnificently and looks more decorative.
Since the black cohosh does not belong to the category of heat-loving plants, it tolerates winter very well and does not require special care from gardeners. If severe cold and a small amount of snow are expected in winter, then the racemose black cohosh can simply be radically cut off at the root and buried with earth or covered with spruce branches. This will make it easier for the black cohosh to winter, and in the spring it will release new stems.
Pruning of a perennial plant can be carried out at will, usually only wilted inflorescences are removed from the stems of the racemose cimicifuga in order to preserve the most decorative appearance.
The composition and medicinal properties of racemose black cohosh
In horticulture, racemose cimicifuga is valued not only for its beauty and insecticidal properties, but also for its medicinal qualities. Basically, the root of the racemose black cohosh is used as a useful raw material, valuable substances are also contained in the leaves and juice. The composition includes:
- starch;
- fructose and sucrose;
- gum and resins;
- tannins and tannin;
- selenium, magnesium and calcium;
- iron;
- vitamins A and B;
- ascorbic acid;
- oleic and palmitic acids;
- phenols and alkaloids;
- flavonoids;
- salicylic and hesperitic acids;
- saponin and glycosides;
- phytosterols are natural analogues of hormones.
When used for medicinal purposes, racemose cimicifuga:
- has a diuretic effect and helps to get rid of edema;
- improves the condition of blood vessels and promotes healthy heart function;
- improves blood composition and lowers glucose levels;
- fights against inflammatory and infectious processes in the body;
- helps to lower the temperature during colds, has a slight analgesic effect;
- has a sedative effect and is good for nervous disorders;
- stimulates muscle growth, so it can be useful for men and women who are not indifferent to sports;
- balances blood pressure and is beneficial in hypertension.
For women, cimicifuga is useful in that it helps to establish a monthly cycle and reduce pain during childbirth. True, it is not recommended to use the plant during pregnancy – racemose cimicifuga enhances uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage.
What is useful black cohosh
The valuable properties of racemose cimicifuga are used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. Dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and plant-based home remedies help:
- with gynecological diseases and inflammations;
- with rheumatism, arthrosis, osteochondrosis and other painful processes in the joints;
- with neuralgia, insomnia, anxiety or increased excitability;
- with migraine, hypertension and asthma;
- with diseases of the kidneys and urinary system;
- with violations of the heart rhythm;
- with sluggish digestion and a tendency to frequent constipation;
- in violation of metabolism;
- with cataracts, elevated blood glucose and atherosclerosis;
- with a breakdown and vitamin deficiency;
- with bruises and sprains – cimicifuga relieves muscle spasms well.
It is possible to use drugs based on a medicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of tumors. Cymicifuga racemos promotes the destruction of malignant cells and stimulates the processes of natural renewal in the body.
Benefits of black cohosh with menopause
The composition of cimicifuga includes phytoestrogens – substances of plant origin that have an estrogen-like effect. Due to this, drugs based on black cohosh have a beneficial effect on the hormonal system of women during menopause. Cymicifuga racemosus normalizes the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin, has a positive effect on ovarian receptors, and prevents hot flashes. At the same time, there is no negative effect on the uterus or mammary glands – the use of cimicifuga does not increase the risk of developing malignant processes in a woman’s body.
Another useful property of black cohosh in menopause is its beneficial effect on bone tissue. Glycosides in the composition of the plant prevent the formation of osteoclasts and prevent the development of osteoporosis and bone fragility. Cimicifuga lowers blood pressure, normalizes sleep and evens out mood, significantly improving a woman’s well-being during menopause.
The use of racemose black cohosh in folk medicine
The beneficial properties of black cohosh are used for a wide range of diseases. Traditional medicine offers many healing recipes based on a perennial plant.
- From rheumatism and colds, a decoction of cimicifuga helps well. The rhizomes of the plant must be cut in a volume of 5 g, pour 500 ml of hot water, boil for 5 minutes, and then insist for another 2 hours. Strained broth is taken three times a day, several sips, the remedy also benefits hypertension and any inflammatory processes in the body.
- For bruises and sprains, fresh cimicifuga leaves can be applied to the affected area and held for half an hour. A compress from the leaves of the plant will benefit from skin inflammations, scratches and burns – cimicifuga will have a healing effect.
- A decoction of black cohosh roots helps with constipation and sluggish digestion. A large spoonful of chopped grass should be poured with a glass of water and boiled for 5 minutes, and then insisted for half an hour and filtered. Drink a decoction twice a day, 100 ml.
In inflammatory processes in the body, a tincture of racemose cimicifuga has a beneficial effect. For its preparation, the dry roots of the plant are poured with alcohol or vodka in a ratio of 1 to 5 and cleaned in a dark place for 6 days. The finished tincture is filtered, and then consumed three times a day, 20-30 drops each, or the diseased joints are rubbed with the drug and compresses are made.
Application in homeopathy
The beneficial properties of the racemose cimicifuga are used not only by traditional medicine, but also by homeopathy. In pharmacies, you can buy a lot of herbal remedies, in which racemose black cohosh is the main or auxiliary active ingredient. Among the most famous drugs can be listed a few.
- Klimadinon – a homeopathic remedy, which contains only cimicifuga. Provides effective help with menopause when consumed twice a day, 1 tablet. It has a cumulative effect, you need to use the drug for at least 2 weeks, but not more than 3 months.
- Moulimen – a homeopathic preparation based on black cohosh, St. John’s wort, nettle, mineral compounds and jasmine. Beneficial for mastopathy and menopause, can be used for menstrual irregularities and to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of PMS. Take the drug only 20 drops up to 5 times a day.
- Climactoplan – a homeopathic remedy that contains not only cimicifuga, but also sanguinaria, sepia, ignatia and other substances. You need to use the medicine 2 tablets three times a day.
Basically, homeopathic remedies are aimed at improving the condition in menopause, but they can also be beneficial in chronic heart and vascular diseases.
Limitations and contraindications
With all the beneficial properties of the racemose cimicifuga, this plant must be used very carefully. With intolerance to black cohosh, the presence of contraindications or overdose, side effects may occur, such as dizziness and nausea, arrhythmia and stomach pain.
It is not recommended to take funds based on cimicifuga:
- with allergies and severe diseases of blood vessels and the heart;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- in the presence of estrogen-dependent formations in the body;
- in acute or severe chronic liver diseases;
- with thromboembolism and internal bleeding;
- with hypotension.
The maximum duration of taking plant-based drugs is six months – after that you need to take a break.
Conclusion
Black cohosh can become a very valuable plant in a summer cottage – it will not only decorate the garden, but also bring considerable health benefits. However, when using racemose cimicifuga, you need to use reliable recipes so as not to harm your health.