Native to North America, black cohosh (Actea racemosa) is a plant recognized by Commission E² and the World Health Organization for its beneficial effects against certain symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, menstrual pain and mood disorders. 

It was at the beginning of the 2000s and in particular after the publication of the results of the Women’s Health Initiative³, an American study conducted among 16 women between 000 and 1995, which looked at the benefits of plants, in particular black cohosh, to relieve symptoms associated with menopause. The results of this study showed that women using menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had a higher risk of developing breast cancer or cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke. Other clinical studies^4-5 have shown the usefulness of black cohosh in treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, excessive sweating and insomnia.

In terms of dosage, standardized extracts of black cohosh are most often found in 20 mg tablets containing 1 mg of 27-deoxyactein: it is recommended to take up to 2 capsules twice a day. It is also possible to opt for a decoction by bringing 2 mg of dried black cohosh root and rhizome to a boil in 150 ml of water and filtering the mixture before drinking it.

Generally speaking, herbal medicine is a good way to reduce symptoms associated with menopause. By making up the drop in estrogen caused by menopause, other plants such as soybeans, hops or officinal sage would be effective against hot flashes. However, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Good to know : In association with St. John’s Wort (hypercum perforatum), a small perennial herbaceous plant known for its antidepressant effects, black cohosh would help fight anxiety and depression, two mood disorders often linked to menopause.

sources:

1. Study Group on Menopause and Hormonal Aging (Gemv) – Managing Hot Flushes http://www.gemvi.org/congres-session-71.php

2. From 1978 to 1994, Commission E brought together 24 recognized specialists in medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacy and phytotherapy. For nearly sixteen years, experts have evaluated 360 plants based on documentation provided including chemical analyzes, experimental, epidemiological, pharmacological, toxicological and clinical research.

3. Women’s Health Initiative. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/

4. Mahady GB, Black cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa): review of the clinical data for safety and efficacy in menopausal symptoms. 2005; 4(3):177-84.

5. Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Shahnazi M, Nahaee J, Bayatipayan S. Efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa L.) in treating early symptoms of menopause : a randomized clinical trial. 2013 Nov 1; 8(1):20.