is a medicinal plant native to Canada and North America. Indigenous peoples knew its healing properties well. They used the root to relieve the effects of snakebites, during childbirth, and for kidney problems, arthritis and other ailments. The juice of the plant was also used to repel insects, as its Latin name, Cimicifuga racemosa, means ‘driving away bedbugs’ (‘cimex’ – bedbug, ‘fugare’ – to put to flight). Racemosa means ‘growing in clusters’. In the 19th century it was used in Europe to treat tuberculosis and complications of rheumatic fever. Today black cohosh is a well-researched plant. Its beneficial effects show in menopausal complaints, both physical and psychological, as it reduces hot flushes, flushing, sleep disturbances, mood swings, listlessness, low mood and the like. It also helps with headaches, sore throats and bronchitis.