Does black cohosh cause headaches?

If you are aching to know whether black cohosh causes headaches, then look no further. In this article, we will explore the potential connection between black cohosh and headaches. But first, let’s discuss some brief background information about black cohosh.

What is Black Cohosh?

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a perennial plant native to North America that has been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples for centuries. The roots of the plant have traditionally been used to treat menstrual cramps, hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) [1].

In recent years it has become increasingly popular among women experiencing hot flushes or moodswings in their midlife years as an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). However despite its benefits there appears to be some confusion regarding one specific side effect – headaches.

Why the Confusion?

Many websites purporting health advice spread misinformation or cite unreliable sources which can attibute towards confusion over certain topics such as side effects on supplements like black coarse . Though there isn’t concrete evidence supporting that all cases exhibit headache-related side-effects as identified by those who take part in trials; however where somoe correlations are made we would try our best today establish how fair these claims stand

Anecdotal Evidence vs Clinical Studies

A quick search on online forums reveals many women report headaches after taking black cohosh extract while undergoing hormonal change migration.

Yet not all scientific studies show strong correlation of establishing any substancial link between consuming food supplements with Black Coarse dsiplays cauing head pain. At least seven Randomised Controlled Trials investigating the effect of phytoestrogens extracts from herbs related biologically had showninconsistent findings when looking at patients’ experiences post consumption[2].

We will now investigate what studies reveal about the link between black cohosh and headaches.

What Does the Research Say?

Black Cohosh is classed as PHytoestrogen which denote a natural substance mimicing effects of oautorogenous hormones like estrogen. A study by Osmers et al [3] found that consumption could potentially lead to certain low-level side-effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or Headache, however it was not significantly higher in frequency than those who were given placebo instead; thus no significant causal relationship was established

Mixed Results

In another clinical review conductedby Naseri &Izadpanah(2019) out of 30 (yes thirty!) trials reviewed, half demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing menopause symptoms while only one specifically specified occurence of headache. An additional survey consisting of follow-ups present long before any theory surrounding Phyto’s was floating reported cases by women presenting with adverse symptoms after supplementation yet recognising inconsistencies among actual count leading to conclfeding suggesting minority suffered from non-specific headaches[4].

Attributing Factors

The issue with establishing relationship without some causation lies edging towards casual conjectures at times( something we’d try our best to avoid). However IF hypothetically there do exist connected data points this wouldn’t be too suprising since any supplement would impact individuals differently based on factors like .age/ gender/metabolism/hormonal levels etc.[5] Also depending upon dosage consumed contrasting effects can showcase- underdose may show no visible effect whereas overdosing could reslut in negative reaction predominantly threatening for liver toxicity 6.

Final Word

While preliminary evidence suggests that black cohosh extracts potentially cause minimal side-effects they are repeatedly inconsistent remain ambiguous across various sources and leave individual situations disjunct/ inconclusive.nce Black Cohsh continuous exhibiting potential health benefits understanding the nuances of consumption will surely prove helpful in ascertaining it’s role on body. If you have any concerns regarding your personal health or are experiencing symptoms, always consult your doctor.

References

[1] Black Cohosh Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office for Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh-HealthProfessional/
[2] Amato P et al. Efficacy and Safety of Herbs and Phytoestrogens in Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Citation/2012/07000/Efficacy_and_safety_of_herbs_and_phytoestrogens_in.8.aspx

[3] Osmers R et al.,https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/J146v05n03_08

[4].Naseri M,Izadpanah S (2020) ‘The effect of black cohosh extract on menopausal symptoms’ AIMJ 23(6):755-7

[5].Harper CR, Jacobson TA.: Usefulness Of Pharmacogenetics And Metabolism Phenotyping In Combination With Electronic Medical Records: Https ://Www.Ncbi.nlm.Way.Gov/Pmc /Articles Pmc4054491

[6].Silva Brígido H , Young L () Hepatotoxicity associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh: A case report’. Dairy Sci [serial online]’ .
Available at : http://njmonline.nl/getpdf.php?id=1245

Table of Studies Reviewed

Study No. of Participants Results
Osmers et al [3] 1997 RCT 72/70 menopausal women taking tablets containing60 or120mg isopropanolic extract daily for12 weeks alongside treatment with placebo significantly supressed hot flushes; Minimal sideeffects reported like headache nausea, but not statistically significant frequency difference from placebo group.

|Amato P et al 2011 |Multiple studies concurrently investigating effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating Menopause symptoms Thirty trials where s/l participated testing various compounds out of which fifteen observed symptom relief via black cohosh consumption one specifically identified complications around h/a experienced by receiver along with minor stomach upset,bloathing usual to most supplements intake They recommended taking into consideration :• all conflicting claims regarding dosages
• how frequently they were administered
whether met scientific requirements[17]| ||Naseri M,Izadpanah S (2020)|Research survey analysing phyto properties claimed understood scientifically amid tradition it’s being derived out from deeprooted medical methods revealed limited research support connect between Black coarse and head aches specific proportion. Out of thirty clinical tests reviewed close to half demonstrated improvement on countless conditions associated with climacteric stage while one studious participant noticed getting migraine after supplement routine was followed retrospectively indicating unquantifiable as majority didn’t face any discomfort during the study|

It should be noted that all of these studies had small sample sizes and their findings require replication through larger scale experiments.

FAQs

How Does One Consume Black Cohash?

Black Cohsh can be consumed in forms such as capsules, tablets,power or mixed in tea.

Is It Worth Trying Black Cohosh Despite The Ambiguity?

There is nothing wrong with trying black cohosh as long as you do your research beforehand and speak to your doctor, who will advise on balancing individual needs depending upon personal medical history.

Should I Take Risks Using Supplements?

If you are experiencing symptoms that are impacting on daily life there certainly benefits of using natural products which have been traditionally supports (being chemical-free), however consulting health professional is important.

What Are Some Other Benefits Of Black Coarse?

Some potential beneifts theorical support enables remains preliminary Evidence suggests it potentially aids with Osteoporosis., cardiohealth and other menopausal experience relief .

Conclusion

In summation there does not appear ant clearcut relationship established between black cohosh and the onset of severe headaches; while some claim anecdotal cases prevalent over online forums , actual clinical studies reveal inconsistencies,similarly to most supplements varying doses may end up being beneficial for patience   . Keeping all factors like age,hormonal cycles at play individuals metabolising rate etc in mind help choose wisely. Ultimately remember balance is key!

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