Using Black Cohosh to Treat Symptoms of Menopause

Many women do not want to use hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) to treat their menopausal symptoms, either because of the numerous side effects associated with HRT or because they generally prefer more natural treatments. As a result, many herbal remedies have become quite popular. Fortunately, these same herbal remedies have been proven to work very effectively for a vast number of women. One of the herbs used to treat menopausal symptoms is black cohosh.

Before I go any further, I must caution you not to confuse black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). Both herbs have been considered "women's herbs" and were used by Native American Indians to treat various women's ailments. Blue cohosh, however, has been judged unsafe over the years due to the fact that it contains caulosaponin. While this substance is known to stimulate the uterus, giving rise to its use to treat cramps and irregular menstruation, caulosaponin also constricts the blood vessels around the heart. Not only has blue cohosh been found to have a rather toxic effect on the heart, it also can damage the intestines. Furthermore, children have been known to die of poisoning after ingesting the blue seeds. Some herbalists still use blue cohosh to treat such ailments as bronchitis, sore throats, and rheumatism. It is never recommended, however, to be used as a self-medication. I would go even further and recommend that you not use blue cohosh at all. There are numerous other herbs that are much safer and just as effective as a treatment for the aforementioned ailments.

Black cohosh, on the other hand, has been used rather successfully for over 50 years to treat symptoms of menopause; i.e., hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and, to a lesser extent, depression and anxiety. It seems, however, to be the most effective when used against hot flashes. (I can say from experience that cooling off the hot flashes tended to help rid me of any depression and anxiety that I might be experiencing, generally because the hot flashes were making me crazy!)

Do not go looking for black cohosh to grow in your herb garden, however. It is much better if you purchase tablets or capsules or obtain a prescription from your doctor. Black cohosh in these forms is standardized, and you need to only follow the instructions on the package and/or follow your doctor's instructions. It may, however, take up to three months before your symptoms begin to improve. If you have a history of liver disease, do not take black cohosh. Also, if you begin to experience such side effects as stomach upset and skin problems, discontinue use and consult your primary healthcare professional. You should also not take black cohosh if you are taking any other prescription medications without first consulting your primary healthcare professional. In addition, you should not take black cohosh -- or any other herbs used in the treatment of menopause -- if you have a history of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or hormone-sensitive tumors.

References:

Booth, Barbara, ed. The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 2009.

Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998.