Is it safe to take black cohosh for hot flashes?

Although Western medicine has given its tentative seal of approval to the use of black cohosh for hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause, there are some possible side effects you may want to consider before trying this ancient remedy. No study provides conclusive evidence one way or the other; however, scientists have discovered some possible signs that may be uncomfortable or even dangerous for some people.

Milder side effects reported by some women include indigestion, nausea, constipation, and headaches. These discomforts may be more pronounced if you are taking a standardized extract in pill or capsule form. Try using a tincture or tea instead. You can find both in many health food stores, and directions for use should be on the label.

In addition to treating women’s ailments, Native American cultures have also revered this herb for its sedative effect. It tends to depress the heartbeat and lower the blood pressure. This may be good news for some feminine souls looking for a way to balance their mood swings, but for those whose blood pressure is already low, or who have some sort of irregular heartbeat, take black cohosh for hot flashes or sweats. nocturnal could mean a problem. If you’re already taking medication for high blood pressure, you may want to look elsewhere for relief from menopausal symptoms.

It’s especially important to check with your doctor if you’re considering black cohosh for hot flashes and if you have a history of liver disease or damage. Several studies from around the world have concluded that there may be a definite risk, and some experts have even advocated the use of warning labels on bottles of the standardized extract. However, in general, it seems that this side effect is rare and seems to be related to excessive doses over a long period of time.

Perhaps the scariest side effect that has been studied is with the administration of black cohosh to breast cancer patients and survivors. Menopausal symptoms can be brought on suddenly by chemotherapy and other breast cancer drugs, but before you seek herbal relief, consider that research has shown a link between cohosh use and metastatic disease. . Data suggests that while black cohosh doesn’t actually cause cancer, it makes the disease more aggressive and increases the chances of tumors spreading to the lungs. So far, the tests have mostly been done on mice that were fed black cohosh for a relatively longer period of time than most women take. Your doctor or other health care provider can provide you with more information and alternative measures.