Cimicifuga racemosa

Specific Indications. - Ovarian pains of a dull aching character; dragging pains in the womb, with sense of soreness; the dull tensive pains incident to reproductive disorders of the female, as well as the annoying pains accompanying pregnancy; false pains; afterpains; weak, irregular uterine contractions during labor; irregular, scanty, or delayed menstruation, with dull pain and muscular soreness.

Action. - That it acts upon the uterine, and possibly other smooth muscular fibers of the tubular organs or the nerves supplying them, is evident from its known power of increasing and normalizing weak and erratic contractions during labor. It also stimulates the function of menstruation and is said to increase the venereal propensity in man.

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. (1922)

What are the historical uses of black cohosh?

Black cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat. It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation. It was extremely popular among a group of alternative practitioners who called black cohosh "macrotys" and prescribed it for rheumatism, lung conditions, neurological conditions, and conditions that affected women's reproductive organs (including menstrual problems, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility, threatened miscarriage, and relief of labor pains).