The root is considered by herbalists to be alterative, antispasmodic, antidotal to snake bite, antitussive, aphrodisiac, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, narcotic, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and tonic. Black Cohosh was an ingredient of Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a patent remedy sold for "female complaints" that was very popular in the earlier part of this century. It is was proposed as a specific antidote to rattlesnake bite and St. Vitus' dance (chorea). It has also been given for various infantile disorders including diarrhea, whooping cough, and paroxysmal coughing. It has been used as a homeopathic preparation for "stimulating the female system", e.g. amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorragia, difficulties of menopause, including rheumatism and arthritic complaints, as well as in parturition (Duke 1985). It should be noted that these putative uses are anecdotal in nature; and are based on the experiences of herbalists and not on clinical studies.

Obstetric Uses In Eclectic Medicine
Current detailed descriptions of the use of Cimicifuga in obstetrics (e.g. Hoffman, no date) draw from the pharmacognosy and medical practices of the Eclectics. In 1835, Dr. King developed a resinous Cimicifuga alcohol-based extract he called macrotin or cimicifugin -- one of the first of the famous "resinous concentrates" of the Eclectics. Cimicifuga came into general use around 1850, becoming one of the most popular Eclectic remedies. It was given a prominent place in the Eclectic Dispensary published in 1852. Cimicifuga was used specifically for rheumatoid muscular pains, menstrual pain neuralgic pain, headache and inflammation. The resinous concentrate was highly regarded for the treatment of amenorrhea as well as other female "disorders", as well as an aid to appetite and a sedative. A tincture made from fresh roots was considered useful before, during, and after labor. It was commonly given in small doses (15 minums -Ellingwood 1919) during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, as a partus preparator. It was believed to reduce irritability of the uterus, or false labor, when given in 5-6 drops every 3-4 hours. The Eclectics wrote of its specific use in multiparas with histories of difficult labors, and in cases where the uterus was lax. A report written in 1885 on 160 childbirths, reports that the tincture was mildly sedating, reducing discomforts in the first stage of labor, increased rhythmicity of contractions in the second stage, but specifically relaxed the cervical tissues thus reducing lacerations (Brinker 1996). The American Materia Medica (Ellingwood 1919) notes that large doses given prenatally could induce labor prematurely. As an aid to labor (partus accelerator), "a fluid extract or 2-5 grains" was employed (Ellingwood 1919). Hoffman (no date) describes the use of 1/2 drachm of powdered root given in warm water every 15-20 minutes until contractions strengthen. A decoction of the root given in tablespoon doses or the fluid extract given in 10 drops to 1 drachm doses were alternately used to aid labor powers (Hoffman, no date). Post-partum hemorrhage was felt to be prevented by the herb, and was suggested to be given as a special one time dose of 30 minums upon the delivery of the baby's head (Ellingwood 1919).