Black cohosh is a common ingredient in many dietary supplements sold to relieve the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Blue cohosh may induce labor, but few studies have shown any benefit from taking blue cohosh during pregnancy and the herb may pose a serious risk to the unborn child. Pennyroyal is highly toxic when ingested, according to the National Institutes of Health, and should not be taken internally for any reason.
Black Cohosh Side Effects
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is an herb often used in the treatment of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The herb rarely causes serious side effects when taken at the recommended dose for short periods. Side effects of black cohosh include stomach discomfort and other gastric complaints, weight problems, headaches, and leg heaviness.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that there are reports of liver damage in people taking black cohosh, but this risk appears to be minimal. Because of the herb's suspected estrogenic effects, women at risk for breast cancer should avoid taking black cohosh. Other side effects of black cohosh include loss of bone mass, irregular heartbeat, muscle damage and low blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Blue Cohosh Side Effects
Blue cohosh, or Caulophyllum thalictroides, is a perennial plant with poisonous raw berries, seeds and roots, according to the University of Texas at Austin. Blue cohosh is primarily used to induce labor, with about 64 percent of midwives reporting using it as a labor-inducing aid in full-term women, according to a study published in the January 2008 issue of the Canadian Society for Clinical Pharmacology.
Side effects of blue cohosh may be severe and include constriction of the coronary arteries and uterine stimulation during pregnancy. Drugs.com warns that blue cohosh may also cause symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the tongue or lips and difficulty breathing. Contact with the raw plant or with blue cohosh powder can irritate the skin and mucus membranes.
Pennyroyal Side Effects
Pennyroyal, also known as Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides, is used in herbal medicine in extract or tea form to induce menstruation and to treat chronic bronchitis, infant colic and inflammatory disorders. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that pennyroyal has known toxic effects on the lungs and liver and may cause organ damage. Ingestion of the herb is associated with liver and kidney failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, lung congestion, seizures, and death. Other side effects include weakness, hallucinations, cramps, nausea and dizziness.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- Mayo Clinic: Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa [L.] Nutt.)
- University of Texas at Austin: Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx.
- Dugoua JJ, Perri D, Seely D, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e66-73. Epub 2008 Jan 18.
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