Black cohosh root, or cimicfuga racemosa, is actually an "herb" in the true sense: a perennial growing above the ground, the stem of which does not become woody. However, it is not the upper herbaceous part of the plant that is used, but rather the dried black cohosh root. Like many bulk dried herbs for sale at Starwest, the most common form of this particular botanical is Black Cohosh root powder, and can be referred to as a dried herb for convenience.