Black cohosh is an herbal remedy that traditionally was used by Native Americans to treat issues related to women's health, including premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea and menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Black cohosh is used for the same conditions today; however, research has shown mixed results on the effectiveness of the herb for these purposes. Talk to your health care provider before beginning use of black cohosh.
Dosage Recommendations
To use black cohosh in tablet form, take 40 to 80 mg per day, and look for supplements that contain 1 mg of 26-deoxyactein. To take black cohosh as a tincture, add 2 to 4 mL of tincture to water or tea, three times per day. Black cohosh root can also be prepared as a tea by boiling 34 oz of water with 20 oz of dried root, then simmering until the water is reduced by a third, or between 20 and 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, and store in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Drink one cup of black cohosh tea, three times per day. Black cohosh is not recommended for use by children.
Potential Side Effects
Researchers have only studied the safety of black cohosh usage for periods of six months or less, but they have found the root to produce few adverse side effects for use during that time frame and at recommended dosages. Side effects of high dosages of black cohosh can include abdominal pain, intestinal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, slowed pulse, tremors, visual disturbances, joint pain, heaviness in the legs and weight gain.
Cancer Warnings
Research studies have produced mixed results on black cohosh's potential estrogen-like effects. Based on this mixed data, it is recommended that individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions -- including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis and fibroid tumors -- avoid the use of black cohosh. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women with a high risk of developing breast cancer should also avoid the use of black cohosh.
Additional Warnings
Do not use black cohosh if you have liver disease, and stop use of the root if you develop signs of liver damage, including abdominal pain, jaundice or darkened urine. Do not use black cohosh if you are pregnant, as it may stimulate the uterus and cause premature labor, or while you are nursing, as the safety of the root for young children is unknown. Individuals allergic to members of the buttercup family may also experience allergic reactions to black cohosh. Black cohosh also contains small amounts of salicylic acid, and may cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to aspirin.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- American Cancer Society: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- MayoClinic.com: Black Cohosh
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Black Cohosh
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