Content
Black cohosh, also known as cimicifuga, is a medicinal plant commonly found in gardens and orchards. Growing black cohosh is quite simple, but you need to know the basic rules.
Description
The cimicifuge plant belongs to the Buttercup family and is a perennial that can grow in one place for up to 20 years. The stem of the plant is straight and long, up to 1.5-2 m in height, the leaves are large and growing from the root. Black cohosh blooms in early summer until autumn, produces long white clusters of small flowers with slight pubescence.
From the photo of black cohosh, one can be convinced of the external beauty of the plant, however, the flowers of the black cohosh emit a rather unpleasant sweetish odor. But this aroma scares off parasitic insects, from where the second name of the plant - black cohosh comes from. In addition, the plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties, so the unpleasant aroma does not in any way reduce the popularity of the cimicifuga among gardeners and gardeners.
The birthplace of the racemose cimicifuga is North America, however, the cimicifuga is currently cultivated in central Russia and Mongolia, in Pakistan and India, Nepal and China.
Growing
Due to its decorative and useful properties, the cimicifuga is highly respected by gardeners. It is not difficult to grow a perennial plant - the racemose black cohosh adapts easily to almost any conditions and does not impose strict requirements on soil and lighting.
Planting a cimicifuga
Reproduction of cimicifuga can be carried out by seeds or young seedlings. It is better to sow cimicifuga seeds in spring, and young plants can be rooted in open ground in spring and autumn, the racemose cimicifuga quickly takes root in a new place.
- The plant is characterized by increased endurance and tolerates almost any conditions. Black cohosh feels good in bright light, but in nature it often grows in shaded areas - therefore, it is better for him to choose a place closed from direct sunlight in the garden.
- It is better to choose nutritious and loose soil for black cohosh, so the perennial will get stronger faster. The cimicifuga racemose also treats poor soils calmly, but does not like excessive moisture and stagnant water. Therefore, the landing site should be well aerated; the close occurrence of groundwater is undesirable.
Before planting a plant in the ground, it is necessary to prepare the soil. To do this, the selected area is carefully dug up and a nutrient mixture consisting of peat, humus and a small amount of sand is introduced into the ground. Also, mineral fertilizers can be immediately applied to the soil; at the first stages of growth, they will be very useful for racemose cimicifuga.
- The depth of the planting hole for the plant should slightly exceed the root system of a young black cohosh, usually a hole is dug about 40 cm deep.
- At the bottom of the planting hole, drainage is organized - a layer of 8-10 cm is poured from small pebbles, expanded clay or broken brick. A small amount of nitrogen fertilization is added to each well.
- On top of the drainage, the pit is half filled with earth, and a black cohosh seedling is carefully lowered from above, trying not to damage the roots.
- The planting hole is covered with soil to the top, the earth is slightly tamped at the stem of the cimicifuga, and then immediately watered with warm water.
- If several plants are planned to be planted, a sufficient distance of at least 60 cm must be left between them - the cimicifuga grows rather quickly.
After planting and watering, it is recommended to mulch the land with dry peat in a layer of several centimeters. A layer of mulch will not only deliver additional nutrients to the roots of the black cohosh, but will also prevent premature evaporation of moisture.
Follow-up care
Caring for racemose cimicifuga can be considered very simple. Basically, it comes down to periodic watering and rare fertilizing of the plant.
- In spring and autumn, the racemose black cohosh usually has enough natural soil moisture. However, in the dry summer months, it is better to water the plant from time to time - the cimicifuga does not like serious drought. Watering is carried out infrequently - once every 3 weeks will be quite enough. But at the same time it is necessary to moisten the earth abundantly so that the water penetrates deeper into the soil - the roots of the black cohosh are branched and long.
- After watering, the soil must be loosened so that more oxygen penetrates into the soil. In addition, regular loosening helps prevent growth. weedsnegatively affecting the health of the racemose cimicifuga. Also, the soil at the roots can be mulched with straw or dry peat - this will reduce the frequency of weeding and watering.
- Black cohosh needs feeding immediately after planting, usually mineral fertilizers are applied directly to the planting hole. The first feeding of the racemose black cohosh lasts for a long time, up to 3 years of life, and subsequently the soil must be fertilized annually at the beginning of spring - it is recommended to use standard phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen substances. This stage is not necessary - the black cohosh grows quite well without additional feeding, however, if it is available, it blooms more luxuriantly and looks more decorative.
Since the racemose black cohosh does not belong to the category of heat-loving plants, it tolerates winter very well and does not require special care from gardeners. If severe cold weather and a small amount of snow are expected in winter, then the racemose black cohosh can simply be radically cut off at the root and buried in the ground or covered with spruce branches. This will make it easier for the black cohosh to winter, and in the spring it will release new stems.
Pruning of a perennial plant can be carried out at will, usually only wilted inflorescences are removed from the stems of the racemose cimicifuga in order to preserve the most decorative appearance.
Composition and medicinal properties of racemose black cohosh
In horticulture, the racemose cimicifuga is valued not only for its beauty and insecticidal properties, but also for its medicinal qualities. Basically, the root of the racemose black cohosh is used as a useful raw material, valuable substances are also contained in the leaves and juice. The composition includes:
- starch;
- fructose and sucrose;
- gum and resins;
- tannins and tannin;
- selenium, magnesium and calcium;
- iron;
- vitamins A and B;
- vitamin C;
- oleic and palmitic acids;
- phenols and alkaloids;
- flavonoids;
- salicylic and hesperitic acids;
- saponin and glycosides;
- phytosterols are natural hormone analogues.
When used for medicinal purposes, racemose cimicifuga:
- has a diuretic effect and helps to get rid of edema;
- improves the condition of blood vessels and promotes healthy heart function;
- improves blood composition and lowers glucose levels;
- fights inflammatory and infectious processes in the body;
- helps to lower the temperature in case of colds, has a slight analgesic effect;
- has a sedative effect and helps well with nervous disorders;
- stimulates the growth of muscles, so it can be useful for men and women who are not indifferent to sports;
- evens out blood pressure and is beneficial for hypertension.
For women, cimicifuga is useful in that it helps to establish a monthly cycle and reduce pain during childbirth. True, it is not recommended to use the plant during pregnancy - the racemose cimicifuga enhances uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage.
Why is the racemose black cohosh useful?
The valuable properties of the racemose cimicifuga are used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. Dietary supplements, herbal preparations, and herbal home remedies help:
- with gynecological diseases and inflammations;
- with rheumatism, arthrosis, osteochondrosis and other painful processes in the joints;
- with neuralgia, insomnia, anxiety or increased excitability;
- with migraine, hypertension and asthma;
- with ailments of the kidneys and urinary system;
- with violations of the heart rhythm;
- with sluggish digestion and a tendency to frequent constipation;
- with metabolic disorders;
- with cataracts, high blood glucose and atherosclerosis;
- with a breakdown and vitamin deficiency;
- with bruises and sprains - cimicifuga relieves muscle spasms well.
It is possible to use drugs based on a medicinal plant for the prevention and treatment of tumors. Cystiform cimicifuga promotes the destruction of malignant cells and stimulates the processes of natural renewal in the body.
The benefits of racemose black cohosh in menopause
The composition of cimicifuga contains phytoestrogens - substances of plant origin that have an estrogen-like effect. Due to this, drugs based on black cohosh have a beneficial effect on the hormonal system of women during menopause. Cystiform cimicifuga normalizes the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin, has a positive effect on ovarian receptors, and prevents hot flashes. At the same time, there is no negative effect on the uterus or mammary glands - the use of cimicifuga does not increase the risk of developing malignant processes in a woman's body.
Another useful property of the racemose black cohosh during menopause is its beneficial effect on bone tissue. The glycosides in the plant prevent the formation of osteoclasts and prevent the development of osteoporosis and bone fragility. Tsimicifuga lowers blood pressure, normalizes sleep and evens mood, significantly improving the well-being of women during menopause.
The use of racemose black cohosh in traditional medicine
The beneficial properties of the racemose black cohosh are used for a wide range of diseases. Traditional medicine offers many healing recipes based on a perennial plant.
- For rheumatism and colds, a decoction of cimicifuga helps well. The rhizomes of the plant must be cut in a volume of 5 g, pour 500 ml of hot water, boil for 5 minutes, and then leave for another 2 hours. The filtered broth is taken three times a day for several sips, the remedy is also beneficial for hypertension and for any inflammatory processes in the body.
- In case of bruises and sprains, fresh leaves of cimicifuga can be applied to the diseased area and held for half an hour.Compress from the leaves of the plant will be beneficial for skin inflammations, scratches and burns - cimicifuga will have a healing effect.
- A decoction of black cohosh roots helps with constipation and sluggish digestion. Pour a large spoonful of chopped herbs with a glass of water and boil for 5 minutes, then leave for half an hour and filter. Drink the broth twice a day, 100 ml.
In inflammatory processes in the body, a tincture of racemose cimicifuga has a beneficial effect. For its preparation, the dry roots of the plant are poured with alcohol or vodka in a ratio of 1 to 5 and removed to a dark place for 6 days. The finished tincture is filtered, and then consumed three times a day, 20-30 drops, or rubbing the sore joints with a drug and making compresses.
Application in homeopathy
The useful properties of the racemose cimicifuga are used not only by traditional medicine, but also by homeopathy. In pharmacies, you can buy a lot of herbal remedies, in which the racemose black cohosh is the main or auxiliary active ingredient. Among the most famous drugs, several can be listed.
- Klimadinon - homeopathic remedy, which contains only cimicifuga. Provides effective help with menopause when taken twice a day, 1 tablet. It has a cumulative effect, you need to use the drug for at least 2 weeks, but not more than 3 months.
- Muliman - homeopathic preparation based on black cohosh, St. John's wort, nettle, mineral compounds and jasmine. It is beneficial for mastopathy and menopause, can be used for menstrual irregularities and to relieve unpleasant PMS symptoms. Take the drug only 20 drops up to 5 times a day.
- Climactoplane - a homeopathic remedy that contains not only cimicifuga, but also sanguinaria, sepia, ignacia and other substances. You need to use the medicine 2 tablets three times a day.
Basically, homeopathic medicines are aimed at improving the condition with menopause, but they can also be beneficial for chronic heart and vascular diseases.
Limitations and contraindications
With all the useful properties of the racemose cimicifuga, this plant must be used very carefully. In case of black cohosh intolerance, contraindications or overdose, side effects may occur, such as dizziness and nausea, arrhythmia and stomach pain.
It is not recommended to take funds based on cimicifugi:
- with allergies and severe diseases of blood vessels and heart;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- in the presence of estrogen-dependent formations in the body;
- with acute or severe chronic liver ailments;
- with thromboembolism and internal bleeding;
- with hypotension.
The maximum duration of taking plant-based drugs is six months - after that you need to take a break.
Conclusion
Black cohosh can become a very valuable plant in a summer cottage - it will not only decorate the garden, but also bring considerable health benefits. However, when using the racemose cimicifuga, you need to use reliable recipes so as not to harm your health.
