Black cohosh is an herb with several purported medicinal uses, but it is most commonly used to relieve bothersome menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings. Despite its long-time use for this purpose, particularly in Europe, some controversy surrounds the use of black cohosh, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The controversy mainly centers on how it affects the body. Before you turn to black cohosh to improve menopause symptoms or to improve your health, consult with a knowledgeable medical professional.
Chemical Constiuents
Black cohosh may be useful in relieving menopause symptoms because of chemicals in the plant called phytosterols. These chemicals are purported to work in the body similarly to female hormones such as estrogen, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This can be effective in treating menopause because symptoms develop as estrogen levels diminish when the ovaries stop releasing eggs each month.
Medical Evidence
Studies into whether black cohosh acts similarly to estrogen in the body have had mixed results, leading to controversy over whether it should be used or recommended for menopausal women. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine funded one well-designed study that found the herb was not effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Other studies, though, have found some benefit in preventing menopause symptoms. If you want to try black cohosh to relieve your menopause symptoms, consult with a health practitioner first to ensure it is the right choice for you.
Breast Cancer Patients
Controversy also surrounds whether black cohosh has an effect on breast cancer cells. Some studies suggest the herb may stimulate growth of breast cancer cells, but others have indicated the opposite effect---that it inhibits growth of cancerous cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because its effects in the body are not well understood, black cohosh supplements should never be used by women who have breast cancer, who are at risk for breast cancer or who have previously been treated for the disease.
Duration of Use
Most studies regarding the safety and effectiveness of black cohosh supplements have centered on short-term use not exceeding six months. Because of this, how the body may be effected by long-term use of the herb is not well understood, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Before starting a regimen including black cohosh supplements, discuss your plans with a knowledgeable health professional who can advise you of all the potential risks.
Safety Precautions
Medical studies of black cohosh have demonstrated other potential risks involved with taking the herb. A small number of cases of liver toxicity have been attributed to the plant, but it is not known if black cohosh caused the organ damage, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Because of the potential risk, however, it should not be used by women with a history of liver disease. When taken in large doses, the supplement can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, muscle tremors, weight gain, joint pain and a slowed heart rate. Black cohosh is not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because of possible effects on the baby. Always consult with a medical practitioner before using black cohosh to improve your health.
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