BLACK COHOSH 		Cimicifuga racemosa	Perennial	medicinal
								poisonous
							(use with caution)
			sow:	early spring
				late summer or early autumn
				stratification required

			seeds:  require a warm period (70f), followed by
				cold (40f) for successful germination,
				and then again warm to develop properly
Considered one of the most useful and powerful uterine tonics,  black cohosh is both a uterine stimulant and a uterine relaxant.  Some of the early patent medicines contained high concentrations of this herb.
Possesses strong estrogenlike qualities, and is used to promote menstruation and regulate hormonal action.
Other medicinal properties include: Aids labour
	rheumatoid arthritis
	sciatica
	uterine cramps
	estrogenic properties
	hypoglycemic properties
	sedative
	anti-inflammatory

Labor:  Often combined with blue cohosh (the two are NOT related, even 
	though their names are similar) and used as a tea and/or tincture
	during the last week of pregnancy to prepare the uterus for an easy
	birth and to stimulate uterine contractions.

	Its unique properties enable it to stimulate contractions while
	relaxing the tension and stress that concentrates in the uterine 		muscles.

PREGNANCY ALERT:  Because of its stimulating effects on the uterus, it is
	not recommended for pregnant women except during the last few weeks
	of pregnancy, and then it sould only be used with the guidance of an
	experienced herbalist and midwife or doctor.