Black cohosh
Black cohosh is used to relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It is not known if black cohosh is safe for women who have had breast cancer.
Black cohosh Overview
Black cohosh is a plant.
Black cohosh is used most often for hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor.
Common side effects of black cohosh include stomach discomfort, headache, and rash.
Black cohosh Cautionary Labels
Uses
Black cohosh is used most often for hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor.
Black cohosh may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Black cohosh
Common side effects of black cohosh include the following:
- stomach discomfort
- headache
- rash
This is not a complete list of black cohosh side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Black cohosh Interactions
Although concerns have been raised about possible interactions between black cohosh and various medications, a 2008 review of studies to date concluded that the risk of such interactions appears to be small. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
Black cohosh Precautions
Special precautions & warnings:
The safety black cohosh used long-term is uncertain.
Women should discontinue use of black cohosh and consult a dcotor if they have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice.
- There have been several case reports of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), as well as liver failure, in women who were taking black cohosh.
It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for women who have had breast cancer or for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), which has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black cohosh.
