I know what you’re thinking: “How beneficial can a tea herb be?” You’d be surprised! Black cohosh tea offers various health benefits, from reducing inflammation to alleviating menopause symptoms. It was even an essential part of Native Americans’ medicine.
That doesn’t mean you should consume it absent-mindedly, though. What does that mean?
Well, in this post, we’ll cover the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of black cohosh root tea.
What Are the Benefits of Black Cohosh Tea?
There’s more to that herb than taste. Let’s see what it can offer you.
1. Relieves Symptoms of Menopause
Relieving the symptoms of menopause is what got black cohosh root tea its good reputation. It’s why most people drink it in the first place.
In 2018, researchers examined the effects of black cohosh on 80 menopausal women experiencing hot flashes. They divided the patients into two groups. One group took 20 mg of black cohosh for eight weeks. The other took evening primrose oil (EPO). The results?
Both supplements were able to alleviate the severity of hot flashes. However, those who took black cohosh experienced fewer and less extreme hot flashes.
Another 2020 study supports the same claim. Researchers tested the effects of black cohosh on 32 women who were over the age of 40. They found that it relieved the menopausal symptoms significantly.
2. Can Improve Pregnancy Rates
Have you ever heard of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? It’s a common hormonal issue in women, characterized by high levels of androgens, irregular menstrual periods, acne, and infertility. It’s that last point we want to focus on.
A 2014 study shows black cohosh’s effectiveness in improving pregnancy rates for women with PCOS. Don’t get the wrong idea—it’s not a magical solution for infertility.
However, the study shows that black cohosh is effective when you combine it with Clomid, a common medication used to treat infertility, and timed intercourse.
Here’s the catch, though: That combination doesn’t just increase pregnancy rates. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles.
Despite having clear evidence of its effectiveness, we believe more studies should be made on black cohosh to reach more conclusive results.
3. Can Improve the Mental Health of Menopausal Women
Menopausal women, assemble! A 2019 study aimed to analyze the effect of herbal medicine on the mental health of menopausal women, and the results were surprising.
Though black cohosh didn’t have any role in treating depression and anxiety, it had a significant effect on improving the overall psychological mood of women.
4. Improves the Quality of Your Sleep
Can you guess who we’ll talk about in this section? Correct! Menopausal women again.
But what does menopause have to do with poor sleep? As we’ve already established, menopausal women experience hot flashes. These might occur at night, causing severe night sweats and mood swings, which can disturb their sleep.
A 2015 study examined the effects of black cohosh on menopausal women between the ages of 45-60. They all had trouble sleeping. So, researchers divided them into two groups.
One took black cohosh, while the other took a placebo. Over the course of six months, they examined the differences in their sleep. Not only did the black cohosh group have better quality sleep, but they also had less chance of waking up in the middle of the night.
5. Helps with Weight Loss
Sadly, menopausal women gain unwanted weight because estrogen levels start to decline. So, how does black cohosh help?
Well, a 2019 study shows that black cohosh can regulate the estrogen levels in the body. That can suppress your appetite, promoting weight loss.
6. Reduces the Risk of Breast Cancer
That’s a controversial issue in the healthcare community. Can black cohosh root tea really help women with a history of breast cancer? A 2014 review stated that two studies showed this to be true.
Although the results look promising, other studies showed no connection between black cohosh and breast cancer. So further research needs to be done.
7. Reduces Inflammation
Yes, black cohosh root tea, aka squaw root, reduces the severity of inflammation, relieving joint pain and preventing arthritis. That’s why we recommend it to our fellow elderly.
Black cohosh root tea can also improve blood flow in your body, which helps eliminate the toxins that cause inflammation in the first place.
8. Can Decrease the Size of Uterine Fibroids
If you’re not familiar with the term, uterine fibroids are tumors inside the uterus. It’s a common gynecological issue with women between the ages of 30-50. Although they’re not cancerous, they can cause numerous issues like back pain, period pain, prolonged periods, and more.
Well, a 2014 study shows that black cohosh can reduce the size of these fibroids. Researchers divided 244 women into two groups. One took 40 mg of black cohosh, while the other consumed 2.5 mg of tibolone a day.
After 12 weeks of treatment, they noticed that black cohosh can reduce the size of a fibroid by 30%.
What Are the Side Effects of Black Cohosh Tea?
You probably think that black cohosh is a magical solution that can solve all the problems of the world now. That’s not entirely true.
A herb that offers all those benefits doesn’t come without risks. It’s our job to show you what these risks are to help you understand what you’re getting into.
Mild Side Effects
Yes, most of the side effects people associate with black cohosh are mild. These include:
- Digestive issues
- Cramps
- Skin rashes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Breast pain
P.S: A cup of caraway tea might help with the nausea and digestive issues.
Severe Side Effects of Black Cohosh Tea
Just because most of black cohosh’s side effects are mild doesn’t mean you can’t experience severe side effects. Numerous reports have shown that excessive use of black cohosh can cause liver damage, whether it’s by elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, or liver failure.
Here’s the problem: These side effects aren’t exclusive to humans. Animals can get sick, too. A 2018 study shows that high doses of black cohosh in female mice have caused megaloblastic anemia.
So we recommend steering away from black cohosh if you have liver issues or at least take it under the supervision of a health professional.
What Are the Prices of Black Cohosh Tea?
There isn’t a definitive answer to that question, as several variables factor into the equation. What brand are you buying? Naturally, a famous brand of black cohosh root tea will be pricier.
That’s why Buddha Teas and Tea Haven’s products can go for $10-54. On the other hand, you can find a random Etsy seller offering their tea for $7.
Wrapping Up
Now you know everything there is about black cohosh tea. It’s a rich, flavorful drink that offers various health benefits. Don’t drink it excessively, though, as it doesn’t come without risks.
