Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cohosh, particularly black cohosh (Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various women's health issues, including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Native American tribes and later European herbalists used black cohosh to help alleviate menstrual cramps, support reproductive health, and address menopausal symptoms. The traditional use is primarily based on anecdotal evidence and ethnobotanical reports rather than modern clinical trials.

Scientifically, the evidence supporting cohosh for dysmenorrhea is limited. Most contemporary research has focused on its effects on menopausal symptoms rather than menstrual pain. A few small studies and animal models suggest that black cohosh may have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that could theoretically help with menstrual cramps, but these findings have not been consistently replicated in rigorous human trials. Major systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that there is insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend cohosh for dysmenorrhea specifically. Safety profiles are generally favorable for short-term use, but the efficacy for this particular indication remains unproven.

In summary, cohosh is primarily used for dysmenorrhea based on traditional practices, with only weak scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Its use persists in herbal medicine, but clinicians and patients should be aware that robust clinical validation is lacking.

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