BLACK COHOSHIf you’re thinking about taking Black Cohosh and you’re doing your own research on this subject, I’m warning you, your head is going to spin. The information you receive will be wildly controversial. Some reports will tell you that it has been used for hundreds of years, and is very effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, and some reports will tell you that there's absolutely no proof as to its efficacy. The truth lies somewhere in the middle: It works for some people and it doesn't work for others. Separating the flash from the hype According to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) studies have shown there is some benefit for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The Canadian Consensus Conference on Menopause 2006 recommends the following to doctors: "Complementary and alternative medicine, including black cohosh and red clover may be recommended for the reduction of mild vasomotor (hot flashes) symptoms. Long-term efficacy and safety data are still lacking." Three of the four studies showed some benefit for treating hot flashes. However, the studies were small and no long term(greater than six month) studies were done. Because the research was deemed to be inadequate, an NCCAM-funded study found it failed to relieve hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal or perimenopausal women. Several clinical trials in the United States and Canada are currently investigating its use for menopausal symptoms. What is it? It is a relative of the buttercup family, and it is a native North American plant. Native people have been using this herb to treat a number of symptoms, including menopausal for hundreds of year. In Europe many women have used the plant for menopausal symptoms, but its use in North America is fairly recent. German doctors have been researching and prescribing black cohosh since the 1950's. Who shouldn’t take it? • Do not take it if you have any liver problems. Scientists (although the research isn’t entirely conclusive, but I’m sure you don’t want to be one of the statistics) are concerned that there may be a link between this herb and liver damage. • If you’re pregnant. Talk to your health care provider. • It is unclear if it is safe for women who have breast cancer. Conclusion As long as Black Cohosh isn't contraindicated for you personally, then why not try it? It seems to help some women at least partially alleviate some of their symptoms. I have had people tell me it is the only thing that works for them, and others who have said it doesn't work or barely works. Try it and see if it works for you. |
