This species was at one time treated in a wider sense to include Actaea europaea Schipcz.[]. The two species are very similar and almost certainly have very similar or identical uses[].

Common Name: Foetid Bugbane

General Information

Actaea cimicifuga is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one or more leafy stems from a thick rootstock. Usually up to 100cm tall, they can sometimes reach 200cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and sometimes as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

All species in this genus are more or less toxic[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Siberia, Mongolia, central China, Himalayas from Pakistan to Myanmar.

Habitat

Shrubberies and forest clearings on open humus-rich soils, at elevations to 4,000 metres in the Himalayas[, ]. Frequently found in fir forests in Kashmir[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist humus rich soil and some shade[, ]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
A very attractive plant, but the flowers and the green seed pods have an unusual, slightly unpleasant smell[] that is reminiscent of decaying fish[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

Foetid bugbane has a long history of medicinal use in China[]. It is an anti-infective herb that lowers fevers and reduces pain[]. The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiperiodic, antiviral, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, tonic[, , , , , ]. It is used internally in the treatment of rheumatic complaints, coughs, colds, headaches, gum diseases and feverish infections such as measles[, ].
The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[].
Use with caution[], see the notes above on toxicity.

Other Uses

Both the growing and the dried plant are used as an insect repellent in Siberia[, , ].

Propagation

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.