While similar in their common names, black cohosh and blue cohosh are entirely different herbs. Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is an herb that is widely used in Europe and is regarded as safe for use for a period of less than six months, while blue cohosh, or Caulophyllum thalictroides, has been found to produce adverse side effects when taken during childbirth. More study is needed for researchers to fully understand blue cohosh's safety concerns. Talk with your health care provider before beginning use of black cohosh or blue cohosh.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is used to treat menopausal symptoms in women, including hot flashes; diaphoresis or excessive sweating; night sweats; vaginal dryness and anxiety, and is also used to treat hot flashes that are related to drugs used to treat breast cancer. Other uses of black cohosh include the treatment of arthritis and osteoporosis; however, more research is needed to determine black cohosh's effectiveness in treating these conditions. Traditional uses of black cohosh included the induction of labor and the relieving of labor pains.
Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh is used to induce labor, to stimulate menstruation, to treat menstrual cramps and to treat epilepsy and rheumatism. To induce labor, blue cohosh can be used in combination with black cohosh; however, researchers from the University of Toronto found the use of blue cohosh during labor may be related to the occurrence of perinatal stroke; acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and shock; and severe multi-organ hypoxic injury. These researchers note that more research on blue cohosh's effects when used during labor are urgent and necessary.
Side Effects
Black cohosh is normally tolerated well by the body when taken in the recommended dosages for less than six months. However, when taken in large doses, black cohosh's side effects include abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, joint pain, tremors and slowing of the pulse. Besides stimulating the uterus, leading to premature labor and potentially harming infants, blue cohosh may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue and face and swelling or closing of the throat.
Warnings
Based on black cohosh's and blue cohosh's abilities to induce labor and potentially harm newborns, women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of these herbs. Black cohosh may produce estrogen-like effects, and should be avoided by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, including breast cancer, endometriosis and fibroid tumors. Black cohosh may also lead to liver damage, and should be avoided by individuals with liver disease.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- "The Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Safety and Efficacy of Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) During Pregnancy and Lactation; J.J. Dugoua et al.; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- Drugs.com: Blue Cohosh
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