“Black cohosh is the most extensively researched
of all herbs used for managing menopausal symptoms,
and is available in many different formulations…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Black Cohosh Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Actaea Racemosa
- Black Bugbane
- Black Cohosh
- Black Snakeroot
- Bugbane
- Bugwort
- Cimicifuga Racemosa
- Fairy Candle
- Macrotys
- Rattleroot
- Rattleweed
Definition
What is black cohosh?
DotS the definition of black cohosh may vary. In Black Cohosh: Introduction the definition used by (United States) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) is:
Studies
What have studies found about the effectiveness of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms?
In Menopause–Biology, Consequences, Supportive Care, and Therapeutic Options: Current Therapeutic Options – Complementary and Herbal Therapies, published 06 September 2023, the authors elaborate on:
Remifemin® and Flordis Femular®
What commercially available products may have been used in clinical studies?
In Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae, last updated 26 August 2023, the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
Menopausal Symptoms
Is black cohosh an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms?
In Menopause & Herbs: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats the JH note:

“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 quality and efficacy”.5
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”.6
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”.7
Placebo or Not
Are the effects of black cohosh any better than a placebo?
In Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? published 20 September 2023, the authors note:
Hot Flashes
Is black cohosh an effective treatment for hot flashes?
In What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms: Black Cohosh for Other Symptoms of Menopause a (United States) Cleveland Clinic doctor explains:
Vaginal Dryness
Is black cohosh an effective treatment for vaginal dryness?
In Menopause & Herbs: Vaginal Changes the JH explain:
Early Menopause
Is black cohosh used in early menopause?
In Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae – Precautions the JH elaborate on:
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”.12
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”.14
In What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms: How To Take Black Cohosh a Cleveland Clinic doctor explains:
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 include:
- 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?”16
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 Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? published 20 September 2023, the authors note:
In Menopause–Biology, Consequences, Supportive Care, and Therapeutic Options: Current Therapeutic Options – Complementary and Herbal Therapies, the authors note:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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.New or Updated
- Black Cohosh Extracts In Women With Menopausal Symptoms: An Updated Pairwise Meta-Analysis
- Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? [20 September 2023]
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms
- 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
- BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh Extracts In Women With Menopausal Symptoms: An Updated Pairwise Meta-Analysis
- Complementary & Alternative Therapies
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements [Topics]
- Dietary Supplements: Are Dietary Supplements Safe?
- Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask
- Emerging Research In the Management of Menopausal Symptoms
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- HRT and Alternatives
- Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines May Not Mix
- Herbs At A Glance: Black Cohosh
- Herbs and Phytoestrogens
- Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Alternative Medicine: Dietary Supplements – Black Cohosh
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
- How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
- Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
- Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
- Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work?
- Managing Menopause
- Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa)
- Menopause Management Options: Natural & Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Menopause Medication Tracker
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause Wellness Hub
- Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Menopause: Things You Can Do
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- 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: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Natural Therapies
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Office of Dietary Supplements [United States]: Background Information: Dietary Supplements
- Office of Dietary Supplements [United States]: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Office of Dietary Supplements [United States]: Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
- Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
- Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
- Review & Meta-Analysis: Isopropanolic Black Cohosh Extract iCR for Menopausal Symptoms – An Update on the Evidence
- Safety of Natural Therapies
- Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms — Solutions or Snake Oil?
- Symptoms of Menopause
- Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Vaginal Dryness
- 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?
- Vaginal Dryness: What To Do About It
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- Weight Gain In Menopause: Systematic Review of Adverse Events In Women Treated With Black Cohosh
- What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Menopause & Herbs: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Black Cohosh: Introduction. Updated: 30 June 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh-HealthProfessional/ Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Davis, S. R, Pinkerton, JA., Santoro, N., Simoncini, T. Menopause–Biology, Consequences, Supportive Care, and Therapeutic Options: Current Therapeutic Options – Complementary and Herbal Therapies. Published 06 September 2023 https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4 Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- 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: 22 November 2023
- 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: 22 November 2023
- Taylor, S. and Davis, S. Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? 20 September 2023 https://theconversation.com/lots-of-women-try-herbs-like-black-cohosh-for-menopausal-symptoms-like-hot-flushes-but-does-it-work-211272 Accessed: 22 November 2023
- What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms: Black Cohosh for Other Symptoms of Menopause. 03 August 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-black-cohosh/ Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Vaginal Changes. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae – Precautions. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- 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: 22 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae – Precautions. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Hot Flashes: Diagnosis & Treatment – Alternative Medicine: Dietary Supplements – Black Cohosh. 20 May 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795 Accessed: 22 November 2023
- What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms: How To Take Black Cohosh. 03 August 2022. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-black-cohosh/ Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | 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: 22 November 2023
- Taylor, S. Davis, S. Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? 20 September 2023 https://theconversation.com/lots-of-women-try-herbs-like-black-cohosh-for-menopausal-symptoms-like-hot-flushes-but-does-it-work-211272 Accessed: 22 November 2023
- Davis, S. R, Pinkerton, JA., Santoro, N., Simoncini, T. Menopause–Biology, Consequences, Supportive Care, and Therapeutic Options: Current Therapeutic Options – Complementary and Herbal Therapies. Published 06 September 2023 https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(23)00905-4 Accessed: 22 November 2023