Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa, is an herb that has been used for generations as a treatment for severe menstrual and menopausal symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. One of the main symptoms believed to be effectively treated by black cohosh supplementation includes migraine headaches caused by menopause or coinciding with the menstrual cycle. However, in high doses, supplementation with black cohosh is believed to result in severe headaches accompanied by a number of other side effects. Because of the lack of scientific evidence on the safety of black cohosh and because the supplements are not regulated by the FDA, the National Institutes of Health recommends using black cohosh with extreme caution.
Aspects
Black cohosh is a native North American herb that is often known by the common names rattleweed, bugwort and black snakeroot. American Indian folk medicine practitioners used the roots and the underground stems, or rhizomes, of the black cohosh plant as a treatment for a variety of ailments, including colds, kidney problems, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, rheumatism and to stimulate lactation in nursing women. Additionally, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports that black cohosh was popular in the 1800s as a home remedy for fevers and menstrual problems.
Uses
The National Institutes of Health, the University of Maryland Medical Center and MayoClinic.com all report that black cohosh is believed to be effective as a treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, night sweats and vaginal dryness and for similar menstrual cycle symptoms. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, black cohosh's function is thought to be linked to the presence of the compound fukinolic acid in the plant. Fukinolic acid is believed to display estrogenic activity, but there isn't enough solid evidence to prove this compound is the key to black cohosh's function. The AAFP site reports that black cohosh also contains alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins that might contribute to the herb's effectiveness.
Migraine Headache Treatment
MayoClinic.com reports that a large number of women -- possibly as many as 30 percent -- suffer from migraine headaches as a regular menstrual cycle symptom. According to the site, studies indicate that these menstruation-linked migraines may be relieved by regular black cohosh supplementation. Additionally, migraine headaches are a common menopause symptom. The Mayo Clinic reports that some research suggests that supplementing with black cohosh can alleviate menopausal migraines for up to six months.
Headache Side Effects
Although black cohosh is thought to decrease menstrual and menopausal headaches, research studies reported by the National Institutes of Health advise that severe frontal headaches not occurring with menopause or menstruation are one of black cohosh's most common side effects. According to MayoClinic.com, these headaches occurred more often in individuals consuming amounts of black cohosh larger than the recommended 20 to 40 mg taken twice daily.
Considerations
Black cohosh use has been linked to a number of adverse effects other than headaches, including gastrointestinal problems, dizziness, problems with vision, tremors, weight gain, nausea and vomiting. Some studies indicate black cohosh use might cause an increased risk of liver damage and breast cancer. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, enough long-term safety data isn't available on black cohosh supplements for consumers to be certain of all the potential side effects. The site recommends that people suffering from liver disease and women who are pregnant, have breast cancer or have a family history of breast cancer should not use black cohosh.
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