When you are pregnant, it is often hard to know which medications and supplements are safe and which could potentially harm your baby. Cimicifuga racemosa, or black cohosh, is a perennial that grows primarily from Ontario to Tennessee. Herbalists use the roots medicinally, often to help with women's hormone levels and pain. You always should check with your physician before using black cohosh or any herbal supplement during your pregnancy.
History
Europeans have used black cohosh since the 17th century to treat neuralgia, joint troubles and pain during labor and pregnancy. Many remedies in the early 1900s contained black cohosh, according to Drugs.com. American Indians used the plant to treat kidney problems, malaria, snakebites, rheumatism, sore throat and menstrual cramps. Early North American colonists used the herb to treat abnormal menstruation, hysteria, fever, itch, lumbago and yellow fever. In Chinese medicine, black cohosh was used an an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory.
Black Cohosh and Pregnancy
Black cohosh also is known as baneberry, bugbane, squawroot, cimifuga, rattletop, black snakeroot, rattle weed and rattle root. The "black" refers to the dark color of the underground stem. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that midwives commonly use black cohosh to prepare women for labor. While some midwives and holistic practitioners choose to use herbal remedies and supplements for their pregnant patients, women should consult their physicians before taking any herbal supplement.
Warnings
Though many practitioners use black cohosh during labor and delivery, MayoClinic.com explains that the Food and Drug Administration has not established the safety of black cohosh for inducing labor. Drugs.com explains that black cohosh is contraindicated during pregnancy because it mighht stimulate uterine contractions and cause premature births. Because the degree of transmission from mother to baby is unknown, women should also avoid taking black cohosh while breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Many people tolerate black cohosh well, but high doses can cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting, which, if you are already suffering from morning sickness, can exacerbate the condition. Black cohosh also can cause constipation, another common problem for pregnant women. Other side effects include dizziness, perspiration, intestinal discomfort, low blood pressure and slow heartbeat. MayoClinic.com explains that physicians have reported a few gynecologic organ-related adverse events, including miscarriage and vaginal bleeding.
Considerations
Not all natural products are safe for ingestion and many can harm your pregnancy and you. Always consult your physician before taking an herbal supplement and do not attempt to prepare herbal supplements for yourself. Once you have your physician's approval, contact a certified herbalist or holistic practitioner to ensure the highest-quality products.
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