Black Cohosh

The herb black cohosh is widely used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularities. Black cohosh is a phytoestrogen, a naturally occurring plant substance that is very similar to natural estrogen. When taken for menopausal symptoms, black cohosh acts much like estrogen and alleviates hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness caused by decreasing levels of the natural hormone. According to the American Family Physician at www.aafp.org, adverse effects from using black cohosh are extremely uncommon, as are adverse interactions   with other pharmaceutical agents. However, according to www.breastcancer.org, research is limited and some findings suggest that black cohosh is no more effective in treating hot flashes than a placebo. This is why use of black cohosh is somewhat controversial in some medical arenas.

What type of adverse health effects can occur with prolonged use? As with many substances adverse effects can occur with long term usage, but there may not yet be enough data available on black cohosh to make a decision either for or against its use. Using black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms is still relatively new, and since menopause can take place over a number of years, it may be awhile before any definitive research is available. One study featured on www.breastcancer.org, discusses the link between breast cancer and black cohosh. 

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