Black Cohosh Safety

Early American settlers once knew black cohosh as "squaw root" because the plant was a mainstay in Native American healing. Today, black cohosh root is mainly a medicinal herb used for women's health. As with any herbal use for medical purposes, consult with your doctor prior to using black cohosh.

History

The Native Americans have been using black cohosh for a variety of ailments for over two centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The women of the Delaware Indians drank a concoction of the roots for menopausal and menstrual symptoms, according to the "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine." Black cohosh was used by the Iroquois to soothe aching joints, and the Algonquin used it for kidney problems. Early colonists began to use the plant after learning about it from the Native Americans. It also became a common ingredient in many patented medicines prescribed in the nineteenth century.

Identification

The rhizome and roots of the black cohosh plant are the part that is used medicinally. The plant is shrub-like, and the roots are black and gnarly. The roots are both bitter in taste and let off a disagreeable smell, according to Botanical.com. Black cohosh is native to the deciduous forests of the eastern areas of North America. Black cohosh has also been known by the names of bugwort, richweed, rattleroot, black snakeroot, baneberry and bugbane. The plants produce white, droopy blossoms in early to mid summer.

Uses/Benefits

Traditionally, black cohosh has been used for everything from treating rattlesnake bites to alleviating menstrual and gynecological problems. There is limited research to confirm its benefits for menopause symptoms, however, according to the University of Michigan. In the nineteenth century, physicians also used black cohosh root for arthritis, fever and insomnia. According to the University of Maryland, there is evidence from preliminary studies that a mixture of black cohosh with sarsaparilla, willow bark, poplar bark and guaiacum resin may be beneficial in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms.

Side Effects

There have been reports of liver failure from black cohosh, according to the University of Michigan. The reports are rare; however, watch for symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite or tan-colored urine when using black cohosh. The University of Michigan also recommends that breastfeeding and pregnant women avoid using black cohosh.
An overdose of the herb may cause a reduction in pulse rate, dizziness, seizures, increased perspiration, visual disturbances, nausea or seizures. It may also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pain, headaches, vomiting or weight gain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It should also be avoided if you have a high breast cancer risk, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, fibroid tumors or other hormone-sensitive conditions.

Dosage

A tea of black cohosh can be made by simmering 20 g of the dried root in 34 oz. of water for 30 minutes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drink a cup of the tea up to three times a day. Black cohosh is also available in tinctures, tablets and capsules. Usually, 2 to 4 ml of black cohosh tincture is taken in tea or water three times a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take capsules and tablets of black cohosh as the package directs.