Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Black Cohosh

For centuries, the roots of the North American black cohosh plant have been used for various ailments. Black cohosh is now a popular remedy for the symptoms of menopause. This has been especially true since the risks of a standard treatment for menopause -- hormone therapy -- were publicized in 2002.

Black Cohosh Uses

Black cohosh is most often used to control the symptoms of menopause, such as:

• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Heart palpitations
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness

Some studies have found evidence that black cohosh does help with these symptoms. However, many experts consider the evidence unclear and say that we need more research on black cohosh.

Other uses of black cohosh have less scientific support. Women sometimes take it to regulate periods, ease PMS symptoms, and induce labor. Black cohosh has also been used to relieve arthritis pain and help lower blood pressure. Research has not verified black cohosh’s effectiveness for these uses.

Black Cohosh Dose & Instructions for Use

For menopausal symptoms, the dose of black cohosh used in studies has been 20mg to 40mg tablets taken twice a day. More than 900mg a day of black cohosh is considered an overdose. Directions for taking black cohosh in other forms will vary. Some experts say that no one should take black cohosh for more than six months at a time.

Black Cohosh Food Sources

While black cohosh is available as a tea, there are no natural sources aside from the plant itself.

Black Cohosh Supplement Information

Black cohosh is available as capsules, extracts, tinctures, and teas. As with any supplement, keep black cohosh in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Do not confuse black cohosh with the potentially riskier supplement, blue cohosh.

Black Cohosh Warnings

• Side effects from black cohosh include headaches and upset stomach. Side effects usually occur at high doses.
• Risks. Black cohosh may not be safe for:
  Women who are pregnant (although it is sometimes used to induce labor)
  Women who have -- or have had -- breast cancer or uterine cancer
  Women who have endometriosis
  Children under 18
  People with liver disease, a high risk of stroke or blood clots, or seizure disorders
  People with allergies to aspirin
• Interactions. People taking birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, sedatives, or blood pressure medicine should not take black cohosh without the approval of their doctors.