“Black cohosh is perhaps the most extensively researched
of all herbs used for managing menopausal symptoms.
It is available in many different products…”.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 the Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh and Menopausal Symptoms the ODS 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 – Precautions 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 perhaps the most extensively researched of all herbs used for managing menopausal symptoms. It is available in many different products, which vary in quality and effectiveness, and it can be combined with other herbs to tailor a formula specifically for hot flushes. Evidence is conflicting: some studies show it is effective and others do not”.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
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 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 explain:
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
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”.13
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?”14
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 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.New or Updated
- Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh
- Complementary & Alternative Therapies
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Black Cohosh
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements [Topics]
- Dietary Supplements: Are Dietary Supplements Safe?
- Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
- Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
- Effectiveness of Natural Therapies: Good Questions To Ask
- Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need To Know
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- HRT and Alternatives
- Herbal Medicine
- 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]
- Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
- Managing Menopause
- 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]
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa)
- Menopause & Hormones Common Questions
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
- 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: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- 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: 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: Traditional Chinese Medicine: In Depth
- Natural Medicines
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes: Do Mother Nature’s Natural Remedies Work?
- Natural Therapies
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- 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
- 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
- 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?
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- 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
- Women’s Wellness: How To Treat Vaginal Dryness After Menopause
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: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 2023
- Black Cohosh: Introduction. Updated: 03 June 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh-HealthProfessional/ Accessed: 23 January 2023
- Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh and Menopausal Symptoms. Updated: 30 June 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh-HealthProfessional/ Accessed: 23 January 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae. Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats. Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 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: 23 January 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: 23 January 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: 23 January 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Vaginal Changes. Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae – Precautions. Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 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: 23 January 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Herbal Medicine Glossary (Alphabetical) – Black Cohosh, Actaea Racemosa, (Previously Known As Cimicifuga Racemosa): Family: Ranunculaceae – Precautions. Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 23 January 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: 23 January 2023
- 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: 23 January 2023
- 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: 23 January 2023
- 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: 23 January 2023