Black cohosh is an herb used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms by a number of European health professionals and by alternative medicine practitioners in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, some studies of black cohosh use have indicated that supplementing with the herb is particularly helpful in controlling the symptoms primarily associated with hormone shifts, including dry mouth, a common menopausal complaint. Although black cohosh is generally considered to be safe, its use has not been approved by the FDA. If you choose to use the supplement to treat your menopausal dry mouth symptoms, be aware of the herb's possible side effects and complications.
History
Black cohosh -- also called black snakeroot, rattleweed, bugbane and rattleroot -- is an herb that is native to North America and grows primarily in a range from Ontario to Tennessee. According to the National Institutes of Health, black cohosh was used in Native American folk medicine as a treatment for malaria, kidney problems and for a variety of gynecological disorders. In the 1800s, early Americans used the powdered root and rhizomes, or underground stems, of the herb to treat rheumatism, fever, neurological problems and gynecological problems ranging from irregular menstrual cycles to infertility and labor pain relief.
Uses
MayoClinic.com and Drugs.com report that European physicians have used black cohosh for years as a treatment for hot flashes brought on by the onset of menopause. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that research studies conducted within the United States convinced the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to conclude that black cohosh seems to be effective at controlling other menopausal symptoms as well, including sweating, anxiety, depression and vaginal dryness. Although black cohosh's effect on every typical menopausal symptom has not yet been thoroughly studied, researchers believe the herb helps because it contains compounds, like fukinolic acid, that are believed to strongly effect estrogen levels.
Causes
Dry mouth, according to the Colgate World of Care site, occurs frequently during menopause because the dramatic shifts in hormone levels that occur during this time alter the salivary glands' ability to produce sufficient amounts of saliva. Dry mouth is characterized by cracked lips; a sticky, dried-out feeling in the mouth; difficulty swallowing; bad breath; and often sores that develop inside the mouth. Although the Bad Breath Remedies & Treatments site advises that dry mouth caused by hormonal shifts during menopause will resolve on its own once the hormone levels become balanced again, proponents of black cohosh use believe that the herb may be an effective treatment for this problem as well as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, more research studies are needed before determining if black cohosh is a viable treatment option.
Side Effects
Black cohosh use can cause the following side effects: headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating, weight gain and stomach problems. The Drugs.com site reports that black cohosh rarely causes side effects and, when they do occur, they are usually very mild. In rare instances, liver damage and symptoms of liver dysfunction -- abdominal pain, darkly colored urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes -- have been reported.
Considerations
Since black cohosh dietary supplements are not monitored by the FDA for purity, effectiveness or safety, you are best using the herb only after consulting with your doctor. The National Institutes of Health site recommends that you should avoid black cohosh if you have any history of liver disease or damage, have breast cancer or are pregnant.
Member Comments