Black cohosh is a herb that has a long history of use of use in North America among both Native Americans and the Americans of 19th century. A natural product, black cohosh preparations are made from the plant's roots and rhizomes. Like other natural products, black cohosh has the potential for allergic reactions, side effects and interactions with natural and man-made products. Consult your health care provider before beginning black cohosh treatment.
History
Native Americans used black cohosh for a variety of conditions, including malaise, gynecological disorders, rheumatism, colds and to induce lactation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
As a home remedy in the 19th century, black cohosh found favor in the use of treatment for rheumatism, fever, bringing on menstruation and as a diuretic. During this same time period, practitioners of alternative medicine prescribed the herb for treatment of a variety of conditions of women's reproductive organs, rheumatism and neurological conditions, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Benefits
Black cohosh's current use is primarily for the relief of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. A review of research on the safety and efficacy of black cohosh for the treatment of of common menopause symptoms was published in the Sept. 14, 2005 edition of the "Journal of Women's Health." This review, performed through the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois-Chicago, concludes that evidence to date suggested that black cohosh is "safe and effective" for the relief of hot flashes and mood disorders associated with menopause.
Time Frame
Both the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Office of Dietary Supplements report that most of the studies done on black cohosh have been less than six months long, making the evidence of long-term effects of black cohosh treatment to be non-existent.
Considerations
Due to scientific studies on the use of black cohosh being of short duration -- six months or shorter -- no one can say with certainty what the long-term effects of this herb are. Scientific data gathered on black cohosh's side effects and precautions for use are based upon data from studies of six months or less use of this dietary supplement, as explained by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Warning
Mayoclinic.com advises that women with a history of blood clots, high blood pressure or a seizure disorder use black cohosh cautiously.
Liver damage and liver failure have been reported with the use of products containing black cohosh. Whether the liver conditions were caused by black cohosh is uncertain.
Consult your health-care provider before beginning treatment with black cohosh.
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