Synopsis

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

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American tribes and later in European herbalism, primarily for the management of women's health concerns. It has been commonly used to alleviate symptoms related to menstruation and menopause, such as breast swelling and tenderness (mastalgia), as well as hot flashes and mood disturbances. The rationale for its use is based largely on its perceived estrogen-like effects, although modern research has not definitively confirmed this mechanism.

Scientific studies on black cohosh have mostly focused on menopausal symptoms rather than specifically on breast swelling and tenderness. While some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that black cohosh may help with cyclical breast pain (which is often hormonally mediated), there is a lack of robust clinical evidence directly supporting its efficacy for this particular symptom. Most authoritative reviews (e.g., Cochrane reviews, systematic analyses) conclude that, while it may have some effect on menopausal symptoms, evidence for its use in mastalgia is limited and inconsistent.

Overall, the traditional use of black cohosh for breast tenderness and swelling is well established, but scientific validation is limited, and the quality of supporting evidence is moderate to low.

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