Remedies for menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms are aplenty. Still, have you ever tried black cohosh? This Native American herb has garnered itself a good name for reducing the annoying symptoms of menopause. Yet, it has its own share of side effects.
Want to know what they are? Then read on.
Black cohosh extracts have been used to treat a variety of health conditions for ages . Its roots were found to have medicinal properties, allowing Native Americans to use them as pain killers, sedatives and anti inflammatory drugs. Black cohosh is also commonly used to treat acne, osteoporosis, cough, sore throat and anxiety. One of the most important applications of this herb, right from back then to now, remains the treatment for the symptoms of PMS, menopause and labor pains.
The chemicals present in the root of black cohosh have medicinal properties. These chemicals affect the brain (serotonin), immune system and essentially the female reproductive system (estrogen). The herb acts very much like the hormone estrogen in the female body (1).
Liver toxicity has been a reported factor among those taking black cohosh. A direct ingestion of the herb was not observed to damage the liver. However, people with an existing liver condition found deterioration in their condition. Individuals with jaundice, hepatitis and liver failure should avoid the herb. Similarly, heavy alcohol drinkers are warned against taking black cohosh.
As the herb acts like a hormone, a hormone-sensitive condition such as pregnancy is not the ideal time to experiment with black cohosh. Pregnant and breast feeding women should stay away from the supplement as a safety precaution. There are indications that it could lead to a miscarriage (2).
Black cohosh had no effect on the incidence of breast cancer. Nevertheless, researchers have discovered that existing breast cancer symptoms worsened in the presence of the herb. Cancer was found to spread to the lungs after ingestion of black cohosh. For this reason, all women falling under the risk group of developing breast cancer or those with a family history of the disease are advised to avoid the herb.
Common hormone sensitive conditions in the female body include fibroids, endometriosis, uterine and ovarian cancers. Since black cohosh itself acts like a hormone, it is possible that the herb might worsen the underlying condition.
Many women who benefited from taking black cohosh also found that the supplement has a very common side effect. It can cause either diarrhea or constipation, in addition to resulting in abdominal pain. Often, women have also complained of nausea and vomiting.
Though a mild side effect, it was found to occur frequently. Women who took black cohosh experienced headache as well as dizziness. A few have reported to have experienced a feeling of heaviness and a visual dimness.
One of the most unexpected side effects of taking black cohosh is weight gain. Most women who used the herb had weight problems to some degree, but weight gain is the most common problem.
Mild tremors, lowered heart rates, and low blood pressure were reported as few of the side effects of black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause. Also listed among its side effects include sweating and seizures.
In the past, black cohosh was used to reduce labor pains and during home births. Sometimes, blue cohosh is used alongside black cohosh for the purpose, causing unwanted neurological complications to the newborn (3). Experts advise against such applications of the herb.
As Black cohosh is an herb, it could interact differently with various other drugs. For those undertaking hormonal replacement therapy, the supplement is a strict no. Black cohosh usage is also not a solution as effective as hormonal replacement therapy. For other conditions, a word with your doctors is considered the best step before taking any action.
Now that you have understood the Black cohosh side effects and risk factors associated with it, you can make an informed decision about your health. Do you think the information has helped you? Please leave a comment in the box below.