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Black Cohosh Topical / Poultice

A traditional salve preparation using Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), addressing menopause, hormonal imbalance, arthritis.

salveswestern-herbalismIntermediate⏱ 10–20 minutesShelf life: 6–12 months stored in a cool, dark placeDosage: 1–2× daily as needed

Generated from this herb's full profile — safety warnings, contraindications, and sourcing.

Benefits

MenopauseHormonal ImbalanceArthritisDepressionFibroidsWomen's Health

Ingredients

  • Black Cohosh — As needed

Instructions

  1. Mash fresh Black Cohosh or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  2. Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.

Interactions & contraindications

Black Cohosh

Full profile
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Avoid

Black cohosh is a well-documented uterine stimulant, historically used specifically to induce labor — contraindicated earlier in pregnancy and only used near term under direct midwife/practitioner supervision.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited formal safety data during breastfeeding; hormone-modulating activity means it's generally used cautiously.

Children

Avoid

As a hormone-modulating herb, black cohosh is not used in children.

Hormone therapies (HRT, tamoxifen)

May interact with oestrogen-related pathways.

Liver-metabolized medications

Rare reports of liver toxicity; avoid with existing liver disease.