Indications

Gynecological
• atonic menstrual complaints
• dysmenorrhea
• amenorrhea
• menorrhagia
• partus preparator (controversial)
• menopausal hot flashes

Nervous
• headaches
• migraines
• vertigo
• depression

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatism
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• osteoarthritis (OA)
• myalgia
• fibromylagia
• muscle weakness

Respiratory
• pertusis
• pneumonia
• influenza

Actions

• Emmenagogue
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antidepressant
• Uterine Tonic
• Nervine
• Antirheumatic
• Antidepressant
• Antitussive
• Analgesic

Constituents

-Guanidine Alkaloids
• Isoquinoline Alkaloids
• Triterpene Glycosides (Actein, Cimicifugoside, Cimiracemoside)
• Phenolic Acids (Cimiracemate, Ferulic Acid)
• Fl

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 60% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 90% EtOH): 0.3-1.8 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 1/2-1 tsp tid

Safety

Liver disease: Use with caution. Several case reports indicate it may cause drug-induced hepatitis in susceptible individuals. Monitor liver enzymes.

Pregnancy & lactation: Studies are lacking ans should be avoided. Historically it was used at the end of pregnancy to facilitate delivery but safety has not been established.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002