Black Cohosh

What is Black Cohosh?

Black cohosh is a member of the Ranunculaceae family of flowering plants that also includes delphiniums, goldenseal, monkshood and clematis. It is commonly found in woodland areas of the eastern half of North America but is also a popular garden perennial for its long blooming period and hardiness in drought conditions.

The plant is recognizable for its distinctive, tall, white flowers and their sweet, slightly rank odor that attracts many species of flying insects. The root and rhizome – or underground stems – of the plant are most coveted for medicinal uses. These are dried and often ground for use in extracts, capsules and tablets¹. Oddly, it is not at all related to blue or white cohosh, which belong to a completely different family and do not share black cohosh’s health benefits.

How does it work?

Scientists are still trying to pinpoint the exact ways black cohosh impacts the human body. The plant has been used to treat women’s health issues for centuries – with positive anecdotal results that don’t quite qualify as scientific proof of its efficacy. However, studies since the 1950s have shown great promise in the potential for black cohosh to have therapeutic effects on the symptoms of menopause³.

The most common school of thought on how black cohosh works involves the hormone estrogen and the neurotransmitter chemical serotonin. It is unclear exactly how the herbal supplement affects estrogen, though it seems to raise and lower levels of the hormone at different times and in response to different stimuli. Its relationship to serotonin is similarly unclear right now, but there is evidence that black cohosh reduces many types of inflammation – which researchers are learning has an effect on many systems and processes throughout the body⁴.

What are its benefits?

The chief benefits reported in connection with taking black cohosh supplements are relief from the symptoms of menopause — mood swings, night sweats, decreased mental performance — and relief from conditions that are less directly related to estrogen, like migraines, osteoporosis, heart disease and pain from osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis².

There are few known adverse side effects other than the risk of allergic reaction and a very rare risk of liver damage, but studies so far suggest the healthful effects may only be temporary, and long-term use may not increase the benefits³.

Products featuring Black Cohosh

MellowPause™ Daily for Hormonal Balance Support

Fertile XX™ for Female Fertility Support 

Fertility ComboPack

Practice Self Care

Native Remedies recommends you consult your doctor before introducing new remedies into your regimen. Always ensure you are buying high-quality, laboratory-tested supplements from a reputable supplier. At Native Remedies, we back all our products with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with your purchase after trying it for 30 days, simply send it back for a refund. Here’s to your good health!

The content provided is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult a medical professional and do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.

Reviewed by Master Herbalist, Mary Ellen Kosanke