Black cohosh is a type of plant root used to treat various medical conditions, which includes hypertension or high blood pressure. It is also known as snakeroot or squawroot. The black cohosh plant is found natively in various southern states of North America, particularly on places located above sea level.

Black cohosh contains various substances, such as oleic acid, racemosin, triterpenes, vitamin A, isoferulic acid, phosphorus, actaeine and tannins. This combination makes black cohosh an extremely potent medicinal plant.

Black cohosh's uses include the treatment of conditions such as muscle spasms, labour pains, neuralgia pain, bronchial infections and tinnitus. It can also be used as a glandular tonic. It has also seen widespread use as a herbal alternative for anti-hypertensive medication, an use which is backed by the results of modern research.

Upon being consumed and metabolized, black cohosh performs an action known as peripheral vasodilation, which causes the blood vessels of the limbs to dilate and open up, easing blood flow greatly, and reducing the force exerted on the arterial walls by the blood flowing through them. However, despite its effectiveness, black cohosh should not be taken without the express approval of a physician.