“Black cohosh is the most extensively researched of all herbs used for managing menopausal symptoms, and is available in many different formulations, which vary in…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Black Cohosh Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Actaea Racemosa
- Black Cohosh
- Black Snakeroot
- Bugbane
- Bugwort
- Cimicifuga Racemosa
- Macrotys
- Rattleroot
- Rattleweed
Definition
What is black cohosh?
The (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explain:
- “Currently, black cohosh is promoted as a dietary supplement for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It’s also been promoted for other conditions, including menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor”.2
Menopausal Symptoms
Is black cohosh an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms?
In Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
In Black Cohosh: How Much Do We Know? the NCCIH note:
- “Black cohosh has been studied for menopause symptoms in people. Most of the older studies were not of the highest quality. More recent studies have been of higher quality, but they have differed in the formulation, plant species, or dose used, so it’s difficult to know the herb’s effects with any certainty. Black cohosh has not been studied as much for conditions other than menopause”.4
In Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? the NCCIH also note:
- “Research suggests that certain black cohosh extracts and some combination products containing black cohosh may reduce some menopause symptoms. Most of the research has been on a single extract called Remifemin. Research on other black cohosh products has had inconsistent results. Guidelines released in 2015 indicate that there is a lack of consistent evidence for any benefit from black cohosh for menopause symptoms. But a 2017 review of recent research suggests that black cohosh extracts approved for treatment in Europe seem to decrease menopause symptoms”.5
Vaginal Dryness
Is black cohosh an effective treatment for vaginal dryness?
In Menopause & Herbs: Vaginal Changes the JH explain:
Linseed (flaxseed) has been shown to reduce vaginal dryness by a mildly oestrogenic action of ‘plumping up’ the vaginal cells”.6
Safe or Not
Is black cohosh safe?
The JH note:
The (United States) Mayo Clinic also note:
- “Black Cohosh. Black cohosh has been popular among many women with menopausal symptoms. Studies of black cohosh’s effectiveness have had mixed results, and the supplement might be harmful to the liver in rare circumstances”.8
In Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Complementary and Alternative Treatments – Herbal Treatments: Black Cohosh the (British) Women’s Health Concern (WHC) explain:
Questions To Ask
If I choose to use black cohosh, what are some good questions to ask?
In Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask the JH explain:
- Do clinical trials exist?
- Is the use of this medicine based on traditional knowledge or historical use?
- What is the most effective dose for me?
- What are the potential side effects?
- Are there interactions with any of the medications I am currently taking?”10
Breast Cancer
Does black cohosh help to reduce hot flashes that are related to breast cancer treatment?
In Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? the NCCIH note:
- “The research is inconsistent on whether black cohosh helps to reduce hot flashes that are related to breast cancer treatment. People with breast cancer should avoid using black cohosh before talking with their health care provider”.11
Health Care Provider
What if I choose to use black cohosh?
If you choose to use black cohosh, it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care providers about this.
In Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes? Use With Caution the North American Menopause Society note:
In Herbal Medicine: Summary the (United States) MedlinePlus also note:
In 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches. 4. the NCCIH’s fourth tip “to help you and your health care providers start talking” is:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Black Cohosh?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Black Cohosh?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 1. Misunderstanding – MHT Will Make You Put on Weight
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 9. Misunderstanding – Non-hormonal Medications Are As Effective As MHT for Hot Flushes
- Actaea Racemosa L. Is More Effective In Combination With Rhodiola Rosea L. for Relief of Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Black Cohosh
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements [Topics]
- Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe? Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
- Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- HRT and Alternatives
- Herb Society of America
- Herbal Medicine
- Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines May Not Mix
- Herbal Supplements: What To Know Before You Buy
- Herbs At A Glance: Black Cohosh
- Herbs and Phytoestrogens
- Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
- Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video (HRT)/a>
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Alternative Medicine: Dietary Supplements – Black Cohosh
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’ [Food and Drug Administration, United States]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa)
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
- Menopause Management: Natural & Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
- Menopause Matters
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause – Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Complementary Therapies for Menopausal Symptoms [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About Popular Herbs
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Tips: How Herbs Can Interact With Medicines
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Rhodiola
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Natural Medicines
- Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Natural Remedies Work?
- Natural Therapies
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements [United States]
- Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
- Safety of Natural Therapies
- Symptoms of Menopause
- Tips for Dietary Supplement Users
- Understanding Menopause – Booklet
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It? I’m postmenopausal and often have vaginal dryness, which makes intercourse painful. Is there anything I can do about it?
- Video Series-2018 – The Truth About Nonpharmacologic Options for Hot Flushes
- What You Need To Know
- What You Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
- Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: How To Treat Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae. Last Updated: 12 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Black Cohosh: Background. Last Updated: May 2020. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae. Last Updated: 12 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Black Cohosh: How Much Do We Know? Last Updated: May 2020. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? Last Updated: May 2020. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Menopause & Herbs: Vaginal Changes. Last Updated: 12 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae. Last Updated: 12 March 2020 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Alternative Medicine: Dietary Supplements – Black Cohosh. 24 April 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women: Complementary and Alternative Treatments – Herbal Treatments: Black Cohosh. Reviewed: September 2020. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help/factsheets/fs_menopausecomptherapies.html Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask. Last Updated: 10 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 15 June 2016. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/effectiveness-of-natural-therapies Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Black Cohosh: What Have We Learned? Last Updated: May 2020. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/black-cohosh Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes? Use With Caution. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/natural-remedies-for-hot-flashes Accessed: 03 January 2021
- Herbal Medicine: Summary. Page Last Updated on: 22 December 2020. Topic Last Reviewed: 21 September 2017. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html Accessed: 03 January 2021
- 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches. 4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/ttt Accessed: 03 January 2021