The most commonly reported health benefit of black cohosh is its ability to ease symptoms of menopause, but theory suggests that it may affect blood pressure as well. A tall woodland plant common to eastern North America, its the root is used medicinally. In the United States, it is available in a variety of supplement forms, but the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements here so it is difficult to be sure of the strength or purity of any black cohosh product. There has been limited research into why or how black cohosh works.
Connection
Black cohosh might lower high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, according to the website SupplementNews.org. This allows blood to move more easily through your arteries and reach your heart.
Dosage
InteliHealth advises that black cohosh sold in Germany as Remifemin contains 1 mg of 27-deoxyactein, which is suspected of being the active ingredient, per 20 mg tablet. The recommended dosage in that quantity is one to two tablets a day, according to the American Cancer Society.
Side Effects
Because of its effect on blood vessels, black cohosh may contribute to bleeding disorders. If you have surgery scheduled and you take this supplement, advise your physician. Black cohosh has also been reported to cause headaches, rashes and dizziness.
Possible Interactions
If you are already taking anything for high blood pressure, such as the drugs Lopressor or Toprol, or other herbs with similar properties, don't supplement with black cohosh without speaking to your doctor first. In theory, you could be doubling up on your medications. Take black cohosh cautiously with anything else that thins your blood, as well, such as aspirin or even garlic. Because of limited research, it is still unknown how black cohosh can interact with other medicines. Don't take it with any supplement product that contains black cohosh under other common names such as bugbane, bugwort, snakeroot or cimicifuga racemosa, advises the American Cancer Society.
Warning
Black cohosh is presumed to be safe for most people, but InteliHealth says that the implications of taking it for more than 6 months are unknown. Although black cohosh has been approved for use in treating menopause symptoms in Germany for over 50 years, Germany's regulatory agency advises against taking it for any reason for longer than 6 months.
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