Black Cohosh
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa; Cimicifuga racemosa) is a plant native to North America.
Uses:
- Black cohosh is used to treat symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety. In small studies, black cohosh seemed to be helpful, but its effect is not hormonal—it works on the brain itself. Larger, well-controlled studies are needed.
- Two controlled studies among German women found that black cohosh (alone or with St. John's Wort) significantly improved menopausal symptoms—with very few side effects. But, two studies of U.S. women found no difference between black cohosh and placebo.
- It may take 4 to 12 weeks of treatment to see benefits.
- Black cohosh is also being studied for possible use in breast and prostate cancer treatment.
Forms: Capsules, tablets, tincture, dried root
Cautions
- A review of studies with a total of more than 2,800 patients found only minor side effects, like nausea and vomiting, rashes, headaches, dizziness, breast pain, and weight gain. These were rare, mild, and went away when black cohosh was stopped.
- There is one case report of acute liver failure requiring transplant in someone taking black cohosh, but it is unclear whether the liver failure was related to the herb.
- No drug interactions have been reported with black cohosh.
- Black cohosh should not be taken during pregnancy or nursing, or given to children.
