(Cimicifuga racemosa or macrotys actaeoides)

Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh – The Indians were right!

Warning: Black Cohosh overdose may cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, visual dimness, headache, tremors, joint pains, and depressed heart rate. For some, these effects may develop at relatively low doses. In addition to the side effects listed above, the estrogen-like components of the herb may act just like estrogen itself and contribute to liver problems and abnormal blood clotting, as well as promote the development of certain types of breast tumors.  Finally,  pregnant women should not use estrogenic herbs. Black cohosh's possible effects on the heart are most worrisome.  Anyone with heart disease, especially congestive heart failure, should not use it.

Botanical name:  Cimicifuga racemosa or macrotys actaeoides. 

Chinese Botanical name:

This information clearly states that Black Cohosh does have benefit. 

—Description— Menstrual discomforts, Menopausal discomforts, Prostate cancer, High blood pressure and Intriguing possibilities.  #

—Family—   Ranunculaceae; other members include buttercup, larkspur and peony. 

— Synonyms— Squawroot and snakeroot. #

—Family—   Ranunculaceae; other members include buttercup, larkspur and peony.

—Parts Used— Rhizome and root

—Constituents—

—Medicinal Action and Uses—When used safely, this herb may play a role in healing.  Because of its possible side effects, however, t should be used only with the approval and supervision of your physician.  Several studies show its early advocates may have been right about the herb's potential to treat gynecological problems. #

MENSTRUAL DISCOMFOTS – Black Cohosh has estrogenic effects, meaning it acts like the female sex hormone estrogen.  The herb's estrogenic action may lend support to its traditional use for menstrual complaints.  Estrogenic herb's must be used carefully, however. Estrogen is a key ingredient in birth control pills.  Any woman whose physician advises her not to take the Pill may have to avoid using this herb as well.  She should discuss black cohosh's estrogenic activity with her doctor before using this herb.

MENOPAUSAL DISCOMFORTS – Estrogen is also prescribed for menopausal symptoms, and herbs with estrogenic action can be expected to have a similar effect on these symptoms.  Today in Germany, where herbal healing is more mainstream than it is in the United States, black Cohosh is a key ingredient in three drugs prescribed for discomforts of menopause.  The German text Herbal Medicine says the drugs “appear to be effective . . . We can, in many cases, manage without hormones, though . . . success is not instant.  The drug has to be given over some time . . .”  These drugs are not available in the United States, but the herb itself is. When used to treat menopausal discomforts, estrogen by itself may increase a woman's risk of uterine cancer.  Taking another female sex hormone, progesterone, minimizes this risk.  Any woman considering using black Cohosh for menopause should consult her physician about using the herb by itself or in conjunction with progesterone.

PROSTATE CANCER – Female sex hormones slow the growth of prostate tumors.  Physicians often prescribe hormones similar to estrogen for men with prostate cancer.  Black cohosh's estrogenic action may help manage this cancer, but men with prostate cancer should consult their physicians before using it.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – A study published in Nature shows back Cohosh reduces blood pressure by opening the blood vessels in the limbs (peripheral vasodilation).  The herb may help manage high blood pressure, but consult your physician before using it for this purpose.

INTRIGUING POSSIBILITIES – One study shows black Cohosh has anti-inflammatory activity, possibly explaining its Indian use as a treatment for arthritis.  Another report shows it reduces animal blood sugar levels, suggesting possible value in controlling diabetes. More study needs to be done to determine whether the herb will prove useful in treating these conditions.  Other preliminary animal findings point to possible antibiotic, sedative, and stomach-soothing action.

—Nutrient Source—

—Side Effects or Negative Effects— Physicians argued about black Cohosh a century ago, and the debate continues today.  A 1986 Food and Drug Administration report dismissed black Cohosh as having “no therapeutic value” and warned of its possible side effects.  Other experts say the herb has many potentially beneficial effects but consider it too toxic to use.  The Germans, meanwhile, include the herb in several prescription drugs to relieve menopausal discomforts. Black Cohosh overdose may cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, visual dimness, headache, tremors, joint pains, and depressed heart rate. For some, these effects may develop at relatively low doses. In addition to the side effects listed above, the estrogen-like components of the herb may act just like estrogen itself and contribute to liver problems and abnormal blood clotting, as well as promote the development of certain types of breast tumors.  Finally,  pregnant women should not use estrogenic herbs. Black cohosh's possible effects on the heart are most worrisome.  Anyone with heart disease, especially congestive heart failure, should not use it.

Potentially  Potent – Black Cohosh is a potentially hazardous herb that should be used cautiously.  Otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have heart disease or estrogen-dependent cancers and are not taking sedatives, blood pressure medication, birth control pills, or postmenopausal estrogen, may use it for short periods in amounts typically recommended – but only with a physician's consent. If any of the side effects listed above develop, use less or stop using it.  Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

—Deterrent—

—References— “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines” by – Michael Castleman Copyright 1991 ISBN: 0-87857-934-6 Page  75 – 78

—Recipe—

—Definition— Peripheral Vasodilation Estrogenic Action

Generated on June 24, 2007
Updated on October 31, 2008

Note: Information and statements about the products on this Book, Page and/or PDF file, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.  You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication.  If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.