Evidence supporting the use of: Black cohosh
For the health condition: Vaginal Dryness

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American and European herbalists, for various women’s health concerns, including menopausal symptoms. Its use for vaginal dryness is primarily rooted in this traditional context. Black cohosh is most commonly used to address symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and, to a lesser extent, vaginal dryness. The herb is believed to have estrogen-like effects or to modulate estrogen receptors, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. While several clinical studies and reviews have explored the efficacy of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms, the majority focus on vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes) rather than vaginal dryness specifically. Some limited studies and anecdotal reports suggest that black cohosh may provide mild relief from vaginal dryness, possibly through its mild estrogenic or serotonergic effects. However, the evidence is not robust or consistent, and major scientific reviews (such as those by the Cochrane Collaboration) typically conclude that more research is needed, and that the effect size for vaginal dryness is small or inconclusive. In summary, the use of black cohosh for vaginal dryness is based more on traditional practice than on strong scientific validation. Women interested in using black cohosh should consult with a healthcare provider, especially because of potential interactions and side effects.

More about black cohosh
More about Vaginal Dryness