cohosh

[ koh-hosh, koh-hosh ]

noun

1. either of two unrelated plants of the eastern U.S., Cimicifuga racemosa black cohosh, or squawroot, of the buttercup family, or Caulophyllum thalictroides blue cohosh, or papoose-root, of the barberry family, both used medicinally.

cohosh

/ kəʊˈhɒʃ; ˈkəʊhɒʃ /

noun

1. any of several North American plants, such as the blue cohosh ( Caulophyllum thalictroides: family Leonticaceae ) and black cohosh ( Cimicifuga racemosa: family Ranunculaceae )

Word History and Origins

Origin of cohosh¹

First recorded in 1790–1800, Americanism; from Eastern Abenaki kkwὰhas

Word History and Origins

Origin of cohosh¹

C18: probably of Algonquian origin

Example Sentences

When I first went through menopause 20 years ago, I started to take black cohosh.

From Seattle Times

Currently I take black cohosh, and that seems to reduce the dryness and discomfort.

From Seattle Times

The herb rue can cause organ injury, black cohosh has been associated with liver injuries, and blue cohosh can make people sick to their stomach, he said.

From Seattle Times

Some people find alternative therapies such as acupuncture, phytoestrogens or black cohosh helpful, although systematic reviews have not found strong evidence to support these approaches making a measurable difference.

From The Guardian

In addition to American ginseng, Felumlee cultivates goldenseal, black cohosh, blue cohosh, bloodroot, red trillium, and false unicorn under his trees’ canopy.

From Salon