Blackcohoshis an herbal remedy used for hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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What Is Black Cohosh Used For?
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No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
At the end of eight weeks, both herbs showed beneficial effects.
The Menopause Society advises against unproven remedies and urges caution when using black cohosh.
The researchers determined there was not enough high-quality data to support black cohosh’s use for this purpose.
More thorough and better-designed research is needed to understand the relationship between black cohosh and PCOS.
Higher-quality studies are needed before determining whether black cohosh is an effective treatment for these conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Black Cohosh?
Although rare, you may experience side effects when using black cohosh.
These side effects may be mild or severe.
Common Side Effects
Generally, black cohosh is thought to be safe.
But mild side effects are possible.
However, if side effects persist or are concerning, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid Black Cohosh?
Some people may need to take extra precautions when using black cohosh.
If you are pregnant or nursing, talk with your healthcare provider before using black cohosh.
Not enough is known about the safety of taking black cohosh for longer than six months.
Talk with your healthcare provider before using black cohosh if you have these or other health conditions.
It’s always best to take precautions and be safe when using supplements.
Dosage: How Much Black Cohosh Should I Take?
Black cohoshdosagehas not been standardized.
Because dosing has varied so much in research, it’s difficult to determine a recommended dosage for everyone.
Carefully read the black cohosh supplement label.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Black Cohosh?
It’s not clear why this occurs, and there’s no recommended dosage for cohosh.
To prevent potential side effects or liver damage, only take black cohosh exactly as directed.
Interactions
Black cohosh may interact with certain medications, supplements, or foods.
Still, more research is needed.
How to Store Black Cohosh
Store black cohosh supplements in a cool, dry place.
They should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
Proper storage will help ensure shelf-life.
Take precautions to keep black cohosh out of reach of small children and pets.
Discard black cohosh supplements that have passed their expiration date.
However, you should typically only take one supplement at a time for a given reason.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which supplements are best for you.
Is Black Cohosh the Same as Blue Cohosh?
Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).
The blue cohosh herb has different effects than black cohosh.
In addition, some believe blue cohosh to be unsafe as it may cause severeadverse effects.
However, sometimes supplements and herbs may be recommended to you for various reasons.
There are a few things to remember when searching for black cohosh supplements.
Food Sources of Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is not found in any foods.
However, some people use dried black cohosh to maketea.
Typically, though, certain parts of the black cohosh plant are used to make herbal remedies.
you could find these remedies in many forms.
Black Cohosh Supplements
Black cohosh is sold as capsules, tablets, gummies, and tinctures.
you’re free to also find dried black cohosh roots.
Side effects are rare but possible when taking black cohosh, and certain people should take extra precautions.
Talk with your healthcare provider before trying black cohosh to ensure it is right for you.
National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.Black cohosh.
Kargozar R, Azizi H, Salari R.A review of effective herbal medicines in controlling menopausal symptoms.Electron Physician.
2017 Nov 25;9(11):5826-5833. doi:10.19082/5826
Mount Sinai.Black cohosh.
2018 Aug;24(2):113-118. doi: 10.6118/jmm.2018.24.2.113
The Menopause Society.Hot flashes.
2022;35(6):991-999. doi:10.1177/08971900211012244
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Black cohosh.
2017;96(2):101-107.
2019;40(6):362-367. doi:10.4082/kjfm.18.0067
