Black cohosh is a U.S. and Canadian native perennial woodland plant. Its root is used in herbal remedies marketed primarily for female problems such as premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Because supplements and herbs can have side effects, consult your doctor before taking black cohosh. Herbal remedies should not replace traditional medical care.
History
Cohosh is a Native American word that means "knobby rough roots," in reference to the appearance of the plant's roots. Traditionally, Native Americans used black cohosh to treat uterine disorders and other problems, such as diarrhea, fatigue, sore throat and arthritis. Black cohosh is approved in Germany to treat PMS and menopausal symptoms.
Uses
According to the American Cancer Society, black cohosh is mainly used to relieve menstrual cramps and hot flashes, but it is also used to treat pain before and after childbirth, as well as breast, ovarian and uterine pain. Relieving arthritis pain, lowering blood pressure and sedation are less common uses.
Function
Exactly how black cohosh exerts effects on the female body is debated, and it remains unclear how black cohosh works. It was thought that phytoestrogens in black cohosh -- plant hormones similar to the female hormone estrogen, mimicked estrogen, or activate estrogen receptors in the female body. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, studies indicate that although some constituents of black cohosh bind to female estrogen receptors, this binding produces little, if any, estrogenic effect.
Menopausal Symptoms
According to the AAFP, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology supports the use of black cohosh for the management of menopausal symptoms, but it has set guidelines for uses up to six months, because it has not been evaluated for long-term safety. ACOG supports its use to alleviate hot flashes, sleep and disturbances, based on eight German studies that demonstrated effectiveness.
Precautions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some individuals report nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches and tremors after black cohosh use. You should not take black cohosh if you have breast cancer or are at risk of developing breast cancer, because it is unclear if the estrogenic effects of black cohosh can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.
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