Black Cohosh
The medicinal herb Black Cohosh as an alternative herbal remedy for rheumatism, arthritis – Black cohosh is a plant native to North America.Common Names–black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed
Latin Names–Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa Picture of Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans. It has become more well-known in the Western world through research on its supportive effect on hormone functioning and support of the female reproductive system. (Liske E. “Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders”.Adv Ther. 1998 Jan-Feb;15(1):45-53. Review.) (Frei-Kleiner S, Schaffner W, Rahlfs VW, Bodmer Ch, Birkhäuser M. “Cimicifuga racemosa dried ethanolic extract in menopausal disorders: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial”. Maturitas. 2005 Aug 16;51(4):397-404. Epub 2004 Dec 10. PMID: 16039414.)
Black cohosh has a history of use for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor. Herbal remedy for menopausal symptons.
Herbal Remedy Products with Black Cohosh as part of the ingredients
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![]() | Nature’s Way – Black Cohosh Root – 100 CapsulesNATURE’S WAY BLACK COHOSH ROOT IS A TRADITIONAL HERB THAT MAY HELP ALLEVIATE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE FOR WOMEN. OUR BLACK COHOSH ROOT CAPSULES ARE MADE FROM CERTIFIED NON-GMO MATERIALS. THEY ARE ALSO MADE FROM PLANT-BASED MATERIALS |
What the Science Says about Black Cohosh
- Study results are mixed on whether black cohosh effectively relieves menopausal symptoms.
- Studies to date have been less than 6 months long, so long-term safety data are not currently available.
- NCCAM is funding studies to determine whether black cohosh reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- There are not enough reliable data to determine whether black cohosh is effective for rheumatism or other uses.
Side Effects and Cautions about Black Cohosh
- Black cohosh can cause headaches and stomach discomfort. In clinical trials comparing the effects of the herb and those of estrogens, a low number of side effects were reported, such as headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems.
- No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and prescription medicines.
- Black cohosh has recently been linked to a few cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), but it is not clear whether black cohosh caused the problem.
- 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 (Caulophyllum thalictroides), which has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black cohosh. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue cohosh to stimulate labor, but this therapy has caused adverse effects in newborns, which appear to be due to blue cohosh.
- It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including black cohosh. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
The wise man says:
June 24, 2023
If you are working on a project with another individual and you received a message that is contrary to your objective, before you attack or ask why, simply ask what the message is about giving the other person a chance to explain. This is prudence.