Black cohosh Ayurveda

SmartAnswer by DigiNepal SI

Black cohosh is a root from a North American plant. Many studies suggest it may help with menopause hot flushes, but the evidence is mixed. Some people have reported liver problems, so stop if you have jaundice or dark urine. There is concern about some Ayurvedic products containing metals, which can lead to health issues. Use with caution if you have liver problems, are pregnant, or have hormone-sensitive cancers. Check with a healthcare provider before using it. In Nepal, herbal products are regulated by the Department of Drug Administration, and Ayurveda practitioners must register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. In India, Ayurveda practitioners must register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine or the National Commission for Homoeopathy. In the UAE, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority. Always consult a healthcare provider before using black cohosh.

Sources: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference

What it is

Root of a North American plant.

Traditional use (claimed)

Menopause hot flushes.

Evidence

Mixed evidence; many good trials found no clear benefit over placebo.

Safety

Liver injury has been reported; stop with jaundice or dark urine.

Quality concerns

Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.

Interactions

Liver-toxic medicines.

Avoid if

liver disease, pregnancy, hormone-sensitive cancers

Regulation in Nepal

Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.

Regulation in India

India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

Regulation in UAE

UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.