Synopsis

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

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly by Native American tribes and later by European settlers, for various women's health issues, including menstrual irregularities and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS Type H refers to the "Hyperhydration" subtype, characterized by symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and water retention, which are believed to be related to hormone-driven fluid imbalance. Traditional herbalists have recommended black cohosh for alleviating these symptoms, as it was thought to have mild diuretic properties and to modulate hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle.

However, clinical evidence specifically supporting the use of black cohosh for PMS Type H is limited. Most modern research on black cohosh focuses on its use in menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings, rather than PMS. Only a few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest a potential benefit for PMS symptoms generally, and even fewer address hyperhydration symptoms directly. The mechanism proposed is that black cohosh may exert mild estrogenic or hormone-modulating effects, which could theoretically influence PMS symptoms, but this remains speculative.

In summary, the use of black cohosh for PMS Type H is supported mainly by traditional use rather than robust scientific evidence. The overall evidence quality is low, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific indication.

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