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Black Cohosh

Actaea racemosa

Fairy Candle, Black bugbane, Snake Root

Native to

North America

A majority of the Witchlist's Garden include naturalized species that now live across the globe, for history's sake we include it's nativity.

Parts Used

  • Root

Medicinal Actions

Note: When considering the Medicinal properties, do not forget that the species, application, and parts used are critical. And please read all warnings.

  • Alterative: Potentially aids in the alteration of the course of an illness

  • Analgesic: Pain reliever

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation/swelling

  • Anti-rheumtic

  • Antispasmodic: Relieves involuntary movements such as ticks and siezures (Note: many antispasmodics have the opposite effect depending on your neurology, consult your doctor).

  • Cardiac Stimulant: Causes an increase in heart rate and therefore blood flow and brain function

  • Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstruations

  • Sedative: Promotes calm or induces sleep

Divinities & Mythos

Note: Just because we don't have it (yet), does not mean it is not out there.

Plant Energies

Over the course of millenia, various religions, physical sciences, diviners and star gazers, etc. have come to assign energies. This is perfectly synopsized by JD Walker in A Witch's Guide to Wildcraft:

Plants can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. They are assigned to or governed by one of seven (or nine [by including the Moon and Sun], depending on your outlook) heavenly bodies. People assigned these characteristics based on where a plant grew, what it looked like, and what effect it had on the humans and animals that came in contact with the plant.

  • Planet(s): Pluto

  • Element(s): Fire

  • Gender: Masculine

Warning - Liver and Pregnancy

Black Cohosh can increase risk of liver disorders and should not be used if you are at risk of or have a liver disorder, are on multiple medications, or are pregnant. Consult a medical provider before ingesting.

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Magical Properties

  • Banishing

  • Cleansing Negativity

  • Courage

  • Feminine Mystery

  • Healing

  • Hex-Breaking

  • Home Protection

  • Love

  • Protection

  • Protection in Love

  • Spell work enhancer!

  • Ward off Evil

  • Women's Health

Talk to your Doctor/Medical Professional before adding any Supplements, herbal teas, Infusions, etc.

Part of the reason that we list Medical Jargin is because many plants can interfere with or even counteract medications we already take or it can exacerbate ailments we already have. 

When talking to your Medical Professional, we suggest asking what "actions" an herb might do to interfere 
with your health, either positive of negative. For example, if you suffer from heartburn, a Cholagogue which creates more bile may not be advantagous. Too much of a good thing, eh?

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