Black Cohosh Side Effects

Before we get into the black cohosh side effects discussion, let's talk about some of the common uses of this particular nutritional supplement. You may be reading up on it because you've heard that it can be useful for treating and controlling certain menstrual symptoms, joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well some of the following menopausal symptoms:

• hot flashes
• mood swings
• vaginal dryness
• heart palpitations

Now, we're not necessarily advocating the use of black cohosh because the bottom line is that there are few reliable clinical trials and minimal data that show its effectiveness in treating these disorders and symptoms.

So, just how safe is black cohosh? Currently there is no evidence that it interacts with any medications BUT because it contains small amounts of salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin), it is contraindicated in people who have a sensitivity to aspirin. Other people who shouldn't use black cohosh include those who have any of the following conditions:

• hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer
• liver disease
• stroke
• high blood pressure
• pregnant - black cohosh has the potential to cause uterine contractions

Possible Black Cohosh Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Giddiness
• Headaches
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Sweating
• Vomting

Common sense is in medicine, the master workman.
- Peter Latham

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March 4, 2010