Herb: Komarov's Bugbane


Latin name: Cimicifuga heracleifolia


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Komarov's Bugbane:

The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, febrifuge and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of common cold with headache and sore throat, measles, headache, gingivitis, stomatitis, prolapse of the rectum and uterus. The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Scrub and grassy slopes from sea level to 1000 metres.

Propagation of Komarov's Bugbane:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. It germinates in 1 - 12 months or even longer at 15°C. The seed does not store well and soon loses its viability, stored seed may germinate better if given 6 - 8 weeks warm stratification at 15°C and then 8 weeks cold stratification. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Scrub and grassy slopes from sea level to 1000 metres.

Known hazards of Cimicifuga heracleifolia:

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains a number of toxic species and at least one species in this genus is said to be mildly poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.