English: Black Cohosh
Latin: Actaea racemosa (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa)
Ayurvedic (parallel): Balancing herb for apāna vāyu, akin to Śatāvarī for women
Benefits: Hormone-balancing, antispasmodic, nervine.
Healing Uses: Menstrual cramps, hot flashes, menopause, PMS, muscle tension.
Doshic Effects: Vata ↓, Pitta ↓, Kapha ↔/↑ (if overused).
Preparation: Decoction (root simmered 20–30 min) or tincture.
Flavor (Rasa): Bitter, pungent.
Post-digestive (Vipāka): Pungent.
Notes: Avoid in pregnancy; not for long-term use in liver disorders.