black cohosh

noun

1
: a large perennial herb (Actaea racemosa synonym Cimicifuga 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

Examples of black cohosh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There have been no relevant drug interactions reported with black cohosh. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024 Researchers are unsure about how exactly black cohosh works in this regard. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024 Those supplements were turmeric, green tea, ashwagandha, G. cambogia, black cohosh and red yeast rice. New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2024 Similar Supplements Other herbs, supplements, and foods, including black cohosh, red clover, and soy products, may have hormonal effects. Beth Thomas, Verywell Health, 7 June 2024 These vitamins contain herbal extracts such as black cohosh and red clover, known for their potential benefits in alleviating menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023 Ease hot flashes with black cohosh... Lisa Mulcahy, Good Housekeeping, 2 May 2022 Provestra increases both physical arousal and psychological drive due to a blend of natural herbs like black cohosh root and wild yam that stimulate hormone production in a gentle yet effective way. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'black cohosh.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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.

More from Merriam-Webster on black cohosh

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!