Alternative health practitioners use black cohosh to treat arthritis, osteoporosis and the symptoms of menopause. This plant contains phytoestrogens, sugar compounds and substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. While black cohosh has relatively few side effects, some people should not use this plant for medicinal purposes. Discuss black cohosh with your physician to determine its safety for you.
Lactation
Scientists do not know whether this substance passes into the breast milk, so women who breastfeed should not use black cohosh, according to Drugs.com.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not use black cohosh for two reasons. Drugs.com reports that, taken in large doses, this plant has the potential to induce miscarriage. Large doses of black cohosh also might result in premature birth. Discuss all herbal medications with your physician prior to conceiving to prevent these problems.
Aspirin Sensitivity
Anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin should avoid black cohosh because it contains salicylates. Do not give black cohosh to children because a link exists between salicylate exposure and a serious condition known as Reye's syndrome, according to the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation.
Breast Cancer
People with breast cancer should not use black cohosh because the phytoestrogens in the plant might increase the risk for breast cancer. Creighton University reports that several studies produced conflicting results when investigating the estrogenic properties of black cohosh. Because other studies have not provided more concrete results, anyone with breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer should avoid black cohosh.
Impaired Liver Function
Black cohosh can contribute to autoimmune hepatitis, a condition that causes the immune system to attack the tissue of the liver, according to Creighton University. Anyone with impaired liver function should avoid black cohosh. If you take black cohosh for medicinal purposes, tell your doctor. She might order liver function testing to monitor the effects of the herb on your liver. If you experience jaundice, also known as yellowing of the skin, consult your physician. Other symptoms of liver problems include fatigue, abdominal pain and itchy skin.
Kidney Disease
Normal kidneys effectively remove wastes from the body, maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balances and produce urine. People with impaired kidney function have a reduced ability to metabolize herbs and medications, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Because the safety of black cohosh has not been determined for people with impaired kidney function, people with kidney disease should avoid this herb or use it with caution.
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