How to Take Black Cohosh

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa) is often used in combination with other herbs to help relieve the discomfort of menopause or for other menstrual disorders. Known also as black snakeroot, macrotys, rattleweed, rattleroot, bugort and bugbane, this herb has been in use for centuries. A member of the buttercup family, it was widely used as a home remedy for muscle pain and arthritis. Today it is more likely to be used to treat hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consult with your physician if you are experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, sluggish libido or other symptoms of menopause. Your medical provider may or may not recommend you use black cohosh.

2. Check with an acupuncturist if you have menopausal symptoms as there are several Chinese herbs that can be used with black cohosh to help relieve the above symptoms of menopause. Some of these herbs include Schisandra, Rehmannia or Gentian.

3. If you are experiencing menstrual disorders such as irregular menses, menstrual cramps, or PMS, consult with an integrative physician, acupuncturist or nutritionist for specific guidance. They may or may not recommend use of black cohosh.

4. Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh. Both have been used to induce labor in the past but current recommendations is to avoid both as they are harmful to the fetus. The current research has been in studies of less than 6 months, so long-term safety has not been established.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Center for Alternative Complementary Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health say that a study done with black cohosh did not prove efficacy in relieving hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause or premenopausal conditions. Consult your doctor.
• Reported side effects are headaches and stomach upset.

Resources

• Black Cohosh, NCCAM, NIH

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