Alternative Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Benefits & Risks

Black cohosh is a plant native to North America and was used in native American medicine.

Benefits: Black cohosh is gaining in popularity as an herbal remedy to treat hot flashes.

Risks: Black cohosh can cause headaches, stomach discomfort, and liver damage has been reported in a few cases. Research on the safety of black cohosh is limited. There is concern that long-term use of black cohosh may adversely affect breast and uterine tissue. Until more definitive data is available, women with breast cancer and/or liver disease should avoid taking black cohosh.