Black cohosh is an herb found in North America. It is known by several names including Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa. Black cohosh is used as a complementary and alternative treatment. 

Black cohosh is sometimes called a “woman’s remedy” because it has been recommended for relief of premenstrual pain, menstrual cramps, menopausal hot flashes, breast pain, ovarian pain and pain associated with childbirth. Chemicals in the black cohosh herb are said to provide beneficial effects similar to the female hormone estrogen. There are significant scientific studies that show black cohosh has relieved the symptoms of hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopausal women.

Black cohosh has also been used for treatment of rheumatism, high blood pressure, bronchial infections, diarrhea, whooping cough and inflammatory conditions. However, no scientific studies were found to support black cohosh as an effective treatment for these conditions.

• The World Health Organization has identified the possibility that black cohosh may contribute to liver injury.
• Seek the advice of your physician when considering any kind of complementary and alternative treatment choice.
• Scientific evidence regarding the long-term safety of taking black cohosh is not available.

Will I live longer if I take black cohosh?

There is no scientific evidence to indicate that taking black cohosh will help you live longer.

Will taking black cohosh improve my quality of life?

There are several scientific studies with evidence that black cohosh can relieve hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause, which can improve your quality of life.

Will taking black cohosh make my symptoms better?

There are several scientific studies with evidence that black cohosh can relieve hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause, which can make your symptoms better.

How safe is this for me?

The FDA has issued a letter to distributors of black cohosh that the product is not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. 

The World Health Organization has identified four cases where the initiation of treatment with black cohosh may have contributed to temporary liver injury. Liver injury is defined as elevated liver enzymes. Symptoms of liver injury include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, feeling tired or weak and yellow skin. Individuals are asked to discontinue black cohosh and consult their physician if they suspect symptoms of liver injury. Physicians are asked to report any suspected hepatic reactions.

Although limited, the evidence does suggest that adverse effects are rare, mild and reversible.

Individuals with high blood pressure should use caution and seek the advice of their physician before taking black cohosh.

Safe use by women who are pregnant or breast feeding has not been established.

Reported minor complications:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Rash
• Stiffness
• Stomach discomfort
• Trembling

Reported major complications:

There is a potential for temporary liver injury with the initiation of treatment

More studies need to be performed before a comparison can be made including studies that compare black cohosh with known medical treatments.

Cost is dependant on the manufacturer and the dose and method of administration.

Seek the advice of your physician when considering any kind of complementary and alternative treatment choice.

The cost may or may not be covered by insurance.

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