What are the benefits of black cohosh?
Today, black cohosh is most commonly used for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes (also called hot flushes) and night sweats (together known as vasomotor symptoms), vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, tinnitus, vertigo, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and irritability [5,6].
What does black cohosh do to the female body?
Based on current research, black cohosh is most likely to relieve symptoms related to reductions or imbalances in the hormone estrogen. A 2010 review concluded menopausal women experienced a 26 percent reduction in night sweats and hot flashes when using black cohosh supplements.
Does black cohosh really work?
Although there’s little evidence that black cohosh can improve sleep, it may help reduce symptoms that are causing sleep disturbances in menopausal women, such as hot flashes. However, one small study in 42 menopausal women found that supplementing with black cohosh seemed to improve sleep duration and quality ( 14 ).
Who should not take black cohosh?
Do not take black cohosh if you: Have a hormone-sensitive condition, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Have a history of blood clots, stroke, seizures, or liver disease. Take medications for high blood pressure.
Why is black cohosh bad for you?
It can cause some mild side effects such as stomach upset, cramping, headache, rash, a feeling of heaviness, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and weight gain. There is also some concern that black cohosh may be associated with liver damage. It is not known for sure if black cohosh actually causes liver damage.
Are there any health benefits to eating black cohosh?
Like black cohosh, soy contains phytoestrogens that may help improve hormonal issues or menopause symptoms, but there’s little evidence to support these potential effects (20
Why is black cohosh used in Native American medicine?
Its flowers and roots were commonly used in traditional Native American medicine, and today it’s a popular women’s health supplement claimed to help with menopause symptoms, fertility, and hormonal balance. It may be effective because it functions as a phytoestrogen, a plant-based compound that mimics the action of the hormone estrogen.
How much black cohosh should I take for hot flashes?
Extracts and mixtures can vary in the amount they contain. Generally, 20 to 40 mg is used to treat menopause symptoms. What are the benefits of black cohosh? The most widely studied treatment use of black cohosh has been for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. But research is still mixed as to whether it’s effective or not.
Is there any research on black cohosh menopausal symptoms?
The most comprehensive research on black cohosh and menopausal symptoms include a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2012.