USA. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Root, Tea Cut Common names: American Baneberry, Black Snake Root, Cimicaire, Snakeroot, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Sauco, Slangenwortel, Squaw Root, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimicifuga, Richweed, Tahta Bitiotu, Wanzenkraut Family: Ranunculaceae Black Cohosh is a perennial flowering herb, growing from around 10 inches to 2 feet high, native to forests in eastern North America. Its root was used by Native Americans and Eclectic physicians to relieve PMS symptoms. Black Cohosh contains phytoprogesterone compounds, and herbalists prescribe it for hormone-related conditions including hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, anxiety, polycystic ovary syndrome (not to be used for endometriosis), sleeping issues, and night sweats.