Evidence supporting the use of: Cohosh
For the health condition: Fibroids (uterine)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cohosh—specifically Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa)—has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Native American and Western herbal traditions, for female reproductive health issues. Its use for uterine fibroids is based primarily on this traditional context rather than robust scientific evidence. Practitioners have used Black Cohosh to help manage symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, pelvic discomfort, and menopausal complaints, all of which can overlap with symptoms experienced by people with fibroids. The theoretical rationale involves Black Cohosh’s possible estrogen-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties, which could hypothetically influence fibroid growth or symptoms.
However, clinical studies specifically investigating Black Cohosh for the treatment or reduction of uterine fibroids are lacking. Most available research on Black Cohosh focuses on menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, rather than fibroid pathology. Systematic reviews and authoritative bodies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conclude that while Black Cohosh may have modest effects on menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient evidence to support its use in treating uterine fibroids specifically. In summary, the use of Black Cohosh for fibroids is rooted in traditional practice, not in high-quality, condition-specific scientific research.
Other health conditions supported by Cohosh
Afterbirth PainAmenorrhea
Breasts (swelling and tenderness)
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Estrogen (low)
Fibroids (uterine)
Hot Flashes
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis