Supplements Herbal Supplements What Is Black Cohosh? By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 21, 2022 Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND, RD Medically reviewed by Melissa Nieves, LND, RD Facebook LinkedIn Melissa Nieves, LND, RD, is a registered dietitian working for a private practice. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Black Cohosh Used For? Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Frequently Asked Questions Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a member of the buttercup family. As an herbal remedy, it is used for hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause symptoms. It is sometimes used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This article explores the research on black cohosh and its ability to treat menopause symptoms. In addition, this article discusses the potential side effects and warnings of taking black cohosh. Verywell / Gary Ferster Commonly Known As Black cohoshBlack cohosh root What Is Black Cohosh Used For? Black cohosh contains a compound similar to estrogen known as fukinolic acid. Research suggests fukinolic acid may ease menopause symptoms caused by age-related declines in estrogen levels. These include: Hot flashesMood swingsNight sweatsVaginal dryness In addition, black cohosh is used to treat menstrual irregularities and ease premenstrual syndrome. While popular, research is mixed as to whether or not black cohosh actually helps. Menopause Symptoms A comprehensive review of studies investigating the effect of black cohosh on menopause symptoms was published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2012. The review included 16 clinical trials and a total of 2,027 women. The studies compared black cohosh to other treatments or a placebo (sugar pill). The data showed black cohosh did not relieve hot flashes any better than a placebo. In addition, black cohosh was found to be less effective than HRT. The research did not show whether black cohosh can help relieve vaginal dryness and night sweats. The study authors noted that more research is needed. Recap The current research does not show black cohosh can help to ease hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or night sweats associated with menopause. Possible Side Effects Side effects of black cohosh may include: HeadacheHeaviness in the legsIndigestionLow blood pressureNauseaPerspirationVomitingWeight gain In large doses, black cohosh may cause seizures, visual disturbances, and a slow or irregular heartbeat. Stop using black cohosh and seek medical attention if you experience abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice. Contraindications Do not take black cohosh if you: Have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroidsHave a history of blood clots, stroke, seizures, or liver diseaseTake medications for high blood pressureAre allergic to plants in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) familyAre allergic to aspirin or salicylates (black cohosh contains small amounts of salicylic acid)Are pregnant (black cohosh may stimulate uterine contractions) Interactions Black cohosh has estrogen-like activity. It may interfere with HRT or hormonal birth control pills. Black cohosh may also interact with the cancer drug cisplatin. This could make cisplatin less effective. Dosage and Preparation Black cohosh is sold as capsules, gelcaps, and tinctures. There is no recommended daily allowance for black cohosh. The dose used in clinical trials is 40 milligrams (mg) a day, split into two doses. What to Look For Look for supplements that contain black cohosh root, the medicinal part of the plant. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. As a result, the quality and amount of active ingredients in the product can vary from brand to brand. Look for products certified by an independent third-party tester such as Consumer Labs, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. Summary Black cohosh is an herbal remedy with estrogen-like properties that is used to treat menopause symptoms. Despite its long use in traditional medicine, there is no scientific evidence to support its use in easing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or night sweats related to menopause. What Is Vitex? Frequently Asked Questions Are there natural treatments for menopause? Research shows that acupuncture may help reduce hot flashes and improve sleep quality in menopausal women. Natural remedies such as red clover, soy, St. John's wort, and evening primrose oil also show promise in the treatment of menopause-related symptoms. However, more research is needed. Learn More: The Benefits and Side Effects of Acupuncture Is black cohosh the same as blue cohosh? No. Black cohosh should not be confused with the herb blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), white cohosh, bugbane, Cimicifuga foetida, or white baneberry. These plants have different effects than black cohosh. In addition, blue cohosh and white cohosh can be toxic. Learn More: Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs Does black cohosh make you gain weight? It may. Women, especially, report that they gain weight when using it. Researchers have found that weight gain is possible in women who take black cohosh during perimenopause and postmenopause. Learn More: What to Do About Menopause Weight Gain 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Office of Dietary Supplements. Black Cohosh. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Black Cohosh. Leach MJ, Moore V. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(9):CD007244. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007244.pub2 Borrelli F, Ernst E. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): a systematic review of adverse events. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008;199(5):455-66. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2008.05.007 Szmyd M, Lloyd V, Hallman K, et al. The effects of black cohosh on the regulation of estrogen receptor (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer (Dove Med Press). 2018;10:1–11. doi:10.2147/BCTT.S144865 Avis NE, Coeytaux RR, Isom S, Prevette K, Morgan T. Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) study: a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Menopause. 2016;23(6):626–637. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000597 Geller SE, Studee L. Botanical and dietary supplements for menopausal symptoms: what works, what does not. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2005;14(7):634–649. doi:10.1089/jwh.2005.14.634 Naser B, Castelo-Branco C, Meden H, et al. Weight gain in menopause: systematic review of adverse events in women treated with black cohosh. Climacteric. October 5, 2021:1-8. doi:10.1080/13697137.2021.1973993 By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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