How to Eat Black Cohosh

Black cohosh or Actaea racemosa, formerly known as "Cimicifuga racemosa," is an herb commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause. It helps to reduce hot flashes, night sweats and irritability. It has also been found to help relieve arthritis pain and may be helpful in protecting against osteoporosis and breast cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One way to eat black cohosh is to make a decoction of the root and mix it in food.

Things You'll Need

• Metal drying rack
• Pan
• Stove

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Instructions

• 1

  Gather black cohosh roots once the fruit has formed in the fall. This plant will reseed itself naturally, so be sure not to gather the roots too soon.

• 2

  Wash the roots thoroughly. Remove all traces of dirt. Be careful not to damage the roots when you wash them. Pat the roots dry and place them on a drying rack away from children, insects and animals. Don't place them in direct sunlight. Allow the roots to dry completely.

• 3

  Chop the roots into small pieces, no more than one-quarter of an inch long. You can grind the pieces if you like, but chopping the roots works well to make a decoction.

• 4

  Boil 1 pint of water in a saucepan and set it to boil. Add 2 teaspoon of dried roots to the boiling water and allow the water to boil for 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

• 5

  Add 2 to 3 tablespoon of this decoction to any food five or six times per day. You can drink the liquid as a soup or mix it with food. You can also add the decoction to beverages.