<<<Go Back

Black cohosh and other herbs sometimes recommended for relief of night sweats and hot flashes are no more effective than a placebo, according to a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

A study population of 351 women was divided into 5 groups: black cohosh alone; black cohosh plus other herbals; black cohosh and herbals plus soy; hormonal therapy; or placebo.  The women recorded night sweats and hot flashes in a diary.  Neither the researchers nor the women in the study knew which group they were in.

The only group that experienced a decrease in symptoms compared to placebo was the hormone-treated group. 

-Bakalar, Nicholas.  “Herbs Found Ineffective for Menopause Symptoms.”  New York Times, 12-26-06.