Black Cohosh Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family. It is a perennial plant native to North America.[1] Black cohosh is used as a medicine by Native Americans, and was a common home remedy in the 1800s.
Other names for black cohosh are black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, and rattleweed. Black cohosh, an over-the-counter supplement, has been used to treat muscle pain, arthritis and rheumatism. In modern times, black cohosh is primarily used as a remedy for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and other discomforts of menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor.[2] The FDA has not established the safety or effectiveness of Black Cohosh for treating any disease or condition. As with all supplements, black cohosh has a risk of side effects. Some of these include stomach discomfort and headaches. It has been linked to hepatitis in rare cases.
 Wikimedia Commons: H. Zell | |
| Latin Names | Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Uses | Treats rheumatism, hot flashes, menstrual symptoms.[1] |
| Common side effects | Stomach discomfort, headaches, heaviness in the legs.[1] |
| Who should not take Drug Name | Women who are pregnant, have breast cancer, or signs of liver disease; children under 18[3] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Black Cohosh Side Effects
Clinical trials of black cohosh supplements have shown a low incidence of adverse effects. Side effects usually occur at high doses. Reported side effects included headaches, nausea, and skin rash. In some rare cases, more serious side effects can also occur. These include yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the abdominal area, and urine that is dark in color. Users of black cohosh who experience such symptoms are advised to stop using it and seek the help of a medical professional, as these may indicate liver disease.[2]
About Drug Side Effects
Black Cohosh Allergic Reactions
Although allergic reactions to black cohosh are not common, they may occur and can be serious in some cases. Those who are allergic to aspirin may experience reactions to black cohosh. Some symptoms of a serious allergic reaction that require immediate medical attention include closing of the throat, trouble breathing, hives, or swelling in and around the face and mouth.[3]
Black Cohosh Precautions and Warnings
- The safety of black cohosh for pregnant women has not been fully determined, although it is frequently used to induce labor.[3]
- Medical experts do not recommend the use of black cohosh for women who have or have had breast or uterine cancer, women who have endometriosis, children under 18, people with liver problems, those with high risk for blood clots or stroke, those with seizure disorders, or people with allergies to aspirin.[3]
- Black cohosh can cause reactions with birth control pills, blood pressure medicines, hormone drugs and sedatives.[3]
- Black cohosh can sometimes cause hepatitis of the liver.[2]
- Black cohosh is not the same as blue cohosh, which has been shown to cause harm to newborns.[2]
The Scientific Evidence Behind Black Cohosh
Women use black cohosh most often to control the symptoms of menopause. Some studies have found evidence that black cohosh does indeed help women with these symptoms. However, some experts consider the evidence inconclusive. Other uses of black cohosh have considerably less scientific support. Women sometimes take it to regulate periods, ease PMS symptoms, and to induce labor. Black cohosh has also been used to ease the pain associated with arthritis, to help alleviate back pain and to lower blood pressure. Preliminary laboratory studies suggest that the herb may play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer. No definitive research has verified the effectiveness of black cohosh for any of these uses.[3]
Also See: Black Cohosh Coupons, Saw Palmetto Coupons, Probiotics Coupons, DHEA Coupons, Advil Coupons, Aleve Coupons, Beyaz Side Effects, Vitamin B12 Coupons, Arimidex
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