Natural Relief from Treatment-Induced Hot Flashes
Herbal Helpers: Natural Relief from Treatment-Induced Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are a common and often frustrating side effect for many women recovering from breast cancer. These sudden waves of heat and sweating can interrupt sleep, affect mood, and interfere with daily life. For women who can’t use hormone replacement therapy—such as those taking tamoxifen or with hormone-sensitive tumors—relief options can feel limited. To mitigate this issue, researchers have investigated the use of black cohosh as a safe, natural alternative.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a plant traditionally used to treat menopausal symptoms uch as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability. It’s often taken in capsule or liquid form. Unlike other herbs that contain plant-based estrogens, black cohosh does not appear to mimic estrogen in the body, which is an important safety consideration for women with a history of breast cancer.
Several research studies have looked at how black cohosh affects hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. One 2011 study followed women on tamoxifen who also took black cohosh for menopause-like symptoms. These women reported fewer hot flashes and improved comfort, with no harm to their cancer treatment outcomes. Another study in 2003 found that black cohosh was effective in reducing hot flushes in women with a history of breast cancer, and it was well tolerated overall.
A broader 2014 review that looked at many studies concluded that black cohosh appears to be safe and potentially helpful for reducing menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. While the authors emphasized the need for more long-term data, their findings supported black cohosh as a safe option, One earlier study from 2001 didn’t find a significant difference between black cohosh and placebo, but even in that case, the herb was well tolerated and showed no signs of risk.
Research has also shown that black cohosh helps relieve hot flashes in postmenopausal women in general—not just those with a cancer history. A 2013 clinical trial found that women taking black cohosh experienced significantly fewer vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
If you’re struggling with hot flashes after breast cancer and aren’t able to use hormone therapy, black cohosh may be worth considering. While it’s not a guaranteed solution for everyone, the research suggests it may offer relief without interfering with cancer treatment.
References
- Rostock M, Fischer J, Mumm A, Stammwitz U, Saller R, Bartsch HH. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients with climacteric complaints–a prospective observational study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011;27(10):844–848.
- Jacobson JS, Troxel AB, Evans J, et al. Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2001;19(10):2739–2745.
- Hernández Muñoz G, Pluchino S. Cimicifuga racemosa for the treatment of hot flushes in women surviving breast cancer. Maturitas. 2003;44 Suppl 1:S59–S65. doi:10.1016/s0378-5122(02)00349-3
- Fritz H, Seely D, McGowan J, et al. Black cohosh and breast cancer: a systematic review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2014;13(1):12–29. doi:10.1177/1534735413477191
- Shahnazi M, Nahaee J, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Bayatipayan S. Effect of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial. J Caring Sci. 2013;2(2):105–113. doi:10.5681/jcs.2013.013
By Dr. Sydney Moffat, ND and Dr. Gurdev Parmar, ND, FABNO(USA)
