Actaea cimicifuga, also known as Black Snake Root, Bugbane, and Foetid Bugbane, is a powerful herb with anti-infective properties that can help lower fevers and reduce pain. The root of the plant is analgesic, antibacterial, antiperiodic, antiviral, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, and tonic. This versatile herb can be used internally to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatic complaints, coughs, colds, headaches, gum diseases, and feverish infections such as measles. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried. Please note that toxicity is a concern, so caution should be exercised when using this herb. Actaea cimicifuga is widely distributed in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan, and W & N China, Korea, and Mongolia.