Black cohosh's efficacy, effects and contraindications

Black cohosh is a popular medicinal plant native to Europe. In Baltimore, black cohosh is also seen as a panacea for hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal symptoms in women, and taking black cohosh can replenish the body's need for estrogen. Let’s take a closer look at the effects, functions and taboos of black cohosh.

Black cohosh’s leading role

1. Relieve symptoms of menopause in women

Black cohosh can produce the expected estrogen-like effects, regulating endocrine balance, which is beneficial for relieving uncomfortable symptoms such as menopausal insomnia, hot flashes, back pain and emotional instability. At least eight major clinical trials have shown that the use of black cohosh to improve the symptoms associated with menopausal women is both safe and effective.

2. Regulate sleep

A double-blind comparative study (lasting 6 months, with a total target of 48 postmenopausal women) found that black cohosh can help improve sleep efficiency, reduce the time after waking up after falling asleep (by 15.8%, wake after sleep onset) and improve sleep quality index.

3. Help bone hyperplasia and rebuild

A double-blind comparative study (lasting 12 weeks, with a total of 62 postmenopausal women) showed that black cohosh is beneficial to bone metabolism, can stimulate osteoblast activity, and help bone remodeling.

Black cohosh medicine taboos

1. Do not use if you have symptoms related to female hormones or a family history of diseases such as breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or uterine fibroids (black cohosh has the expected effect of weak estrogen and may worsen symptoms, but this has not yet been confirmed by scientific research).

2. There have been cases of liver damage (hepatitis, liver failure, increased liver index) after use, but there is still insufficient evidence to confirm that there is a direct logical relationship between the two (it may also be related to quality and counterfeiting). However, for safety reasons, please consult a local doctor or physician before use.

3. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, and people with impaired liver and kidney function should not use it (there are safety concerns, and use in pregnant women may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth).

4. Do not use if you have ever been allergic to black cohosh related plants (Ranunculaceae), aspirin or other sodium salicylate ingredients.

5. Do not use it together with therapeutic drugs, herbs or other health-promoting ingredients (it may cause blurred toxicity or affect metabolic processes).

6. People with Protein S deficiency (also known as congenital thrombosis) should not use it (it may increase the risk of venous thrombosis).