Black cohosh originated from North American Indians. It is an herb or dietary supplement generally used for medicinal purposes. Black cohosh is known by many names but is more commonly known as cimicifuga racemosa, snake root, rattleroot, richweed and bugwort. It's used in alternative medicine as a popular treatment for women suffering from menopause and premenstrual syndrome. Black cohosh is not considered a drug; therefore products containing black cohosh are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Consult your health care provider before starting any herbal supplement remedy.
Liver Damage
Products containing black cohosh have been studied and linked to liver failure. According to Nutra Ingredients USA, physician Stanley M. Cohen says women taking black cohosh should be monitored for evidence of liver problems. The most common symptoms of liver damage include excessive tiredness, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine and fluid retention in the abdomen. In the United States, it is advised that all black cohosh products add a warning label warning to discontinue use if there is history of liver disorder. Other countries have also begun new label requirements for products containing black cohosh.
Breast Cancer
Herbal supplements may interfere and interact negatively with other prescription medications. Black cohosh is one that doesn't react well with breast cancer treatments--specifically, chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments--because it can increase the toxicity levels of certain cancer drugs. According to Breast Cancer A to Z website, Professor Vicki Davis, Ph.D., says women who are at high risk of having an undetected breast tumor and those who do have breast cancer should proceed with great caution or avoid taking black cohosh until knowledge of ways to circumvent its adverse effects have been thoroughly researched. To date, the long-term effects of black cohosh on breast cells have not been published.
Miscarriage or Premature Birth
Black cohosh is sometimes used to stimulate labor. It has a similar effect to the common labor-inducing drug Pitocin; it's used to dilate the cervix during childbirth. Pregnant women should not use black cohosh, which can cause premature birth or miscarriage--specifically in the first two trimesters. Additionally, black cohosh should not be consumed by children or breastfeeding women. Side effects can be passed on to infants through the mother's breast milk. According to Herbal Properties Suite 101, black cohosh might be associated with prolonged bleeding or postpartum hemorrhage, especially if the patient has a history of blood platelet disorders or similar problems. Using black cohosh while pregnant or breastfeeding can cause severe complications.
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