Black Cohosh 101
Over the generations, people have used black cohosh for arthritis and muscle pain. It has also been used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause as well as menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome.
What the Science Says
Study results measuring the effectiveness of black cohosh to relieve menopausal
symptoms have been mixed. Studies to date have been less than 6 months long. As
a result, long-term safety data are not currently available. The National
Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of
Health (NCCAM) is funding studies to determine whether black cohosh reduces the
frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. At this
time there is not available data that proves whether black cohosh is effective
for arthritis, muscle pain, or other uses.
Side Effects and Cautions
Like other herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, there is a risk
of side effects to taking black cohosh. For some, it may cause headaches and
stomach discomfort. Other side effects reported include heaviness in the legs
and weight problems. No interactions have been reported between black cohosh
and prescription medicines. It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for women
who have had breast cancer or for pregnant women.
Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh. Blue cohosh has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black cohosh. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue cohosh to stimulate labor. This therapy has caused adverse effects in newborns, which appear to be due to blue cohosh.
Remember: It is important to inform your health care providers about any herbal or dietary supplement you take, including black cohosh. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
For more information, visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/blackcohosh/
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health
