Black cohosh

General Information

The black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, a plant native to North America. Its use has become established in the Native American medicine and it was among the home remedies American 19th century.

Common Name
Black cohosh, black cohosh, bug-hunting, cimifuge, grass bug, black snake, Bladder campion

Scientific Name

Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa

How does it work?

The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried in full-bodied teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in the preparation of pills or liquid extracts (tinctures).

The black cohosh has historically been used against rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but it has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms that appear during menopause.

The black cohosh has also been used to treat cases of menstrual irregularity, premenstrual syndrome and to induce labor.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product against other diseases. Contact a health care provider if you have any questions.

Study results do not agree to show that black cohosh effectively relieves menopausal symptoms. A study funded by NCCAM found that black cohosh used alone or in combination with other herbs, has failed to relieve hot flashes or night sweats in postmenopausal women or premenopausal.

Most studies conducted so far have lasted less than six months, so it is unclear what would be the safety of long-term use.

NCCAM is funding studies that will attempt to better understand the possible effects of black cohosh on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

There is not enough reliable data to determine whether black cohosh is effective against rheumatism and if it could have other jobs.

According to a specialist in U.S. Pharmacopoeia, women should stop using the black cohosh and consult a health care professional if they are suffering from a liver disorder or if they observe the manifestation of symptoms of liver dysfunction as abdominal pain, dark urine or jaundice. Several cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) were reported while the women who used black cohosh observed renal failure. It is unknown whether black cohosh was the cause of these problems. Although these types of cases occur only very rarely and that their protests are not based on strong evidence, the research specialists still feel some concern about the possible effects of black cohosh on the liver.

The black cohosh can cause headaches and abdominal discomfort. Clinical trials comparing the effects of the plant and those of estrogen reported a low number of side effects, including headaches, stomach problems, heaviness in the legs and weight problems.

No interaction was reported between black cohosh and prescription drugs.

The safety of black cohosh has not been clearly established in the case of women who had breast cancer or in the case of pregnant women.

The black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). These two plants are different in terms of properties, therapeutic uses and side effects. The black cohosh is sometimes used in combination with blue cohosh to stimulate the intensity of uterine contractions during childbirth. This therapy caused side effects that affected newborns and has been attributed to blue cohosh.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider all natural health products you use.