black cohosh

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about black cohosh?

Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.

Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is black cohosh?

The use of black cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Black cohosh is also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root, rattleroot, bugwort, and richweed.

Black cohosh has been used to ease the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort. Black cohosh has also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and hardening of the arteries.

Black cohosh may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take black cohosh?

Before taking black cohosh, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Black cohosh may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether black cohosh will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of black cohosh by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

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