Black cohosh: Benefits, uses and safety for menopause support

What is black cohosh?

Black cohosh is a plant that grows in North America and has a long history of traditional use, especially by Native American communities.

It was once used for a variety of women’s health issues, as well as for joint and kidney problems.

Today, it’s mainly taken as a herbal supplement to support people going through menopause. You can find it in capsules, tablets, and liquid drops, or as a tea.

Benefits

The most common use of black cohosh is to ease menopause symptoms such as:

Hot flushes

Sweating at night

Sleep problems

Mood swings

Nervousness and irritability

Some studies also mention its use for menstrual cramps and PMS, although results for these symptoms are mixed (1).

How does black cohosh support menopause?

Researchers once thought black cohosh simply worked like oestrogen (thought to contain phytoestrogens), but new studies show it may work by helping to balance brain chemicals like serotonin (2), which might explain why it seems to help with mood, sleep, and body temperature. There remains some debate as to whether black cohosh can be classified as a true phytoestrogen (3).

Safety

In lab studies, black cohosh has also been shown to interfere with tamoxifen (4). Because of this, it may not be safe for people diagnosed with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Precautions

Black cohosh is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18. It may also interfere with oral contraceptives (5).

Some experts say it’s best not to take it for more than six months at a time. Please use as stated on product packaging and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure.

If you have liver problems or are taking other medications, especially for hormone-related conditions (such as HRT), speak to a doctor or qualified nutritional therapist before using black cohosh.

How to take it

Black cohosh comes in several forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts and teas. It’s important to choose products from trusted and reputable brands, as quality can vary.

Key takeaways

Black cohosh may help with menopause symptoms like hot flushes, mood changes and sleep problems.

If you have any questions about taking herbs for menopause, PMS or perimenopause symptoms, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Recommended products

Erbenobili Menopavin: A liquid herbal formula featuring black cohosh and formulated for menopause support.

Other options include Nature’s Answer Black Cohosh Extract, a liquid herbal extract that offers a concentrated form of black cohosh. It also features in Organic Pharmacy Joint Tincture.