The Black Cohosh Herb
September 9th, 2006 (Natural Health Food)
Black cohosh overdose may cause dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, visual dimness, headache, tremors, joint pains, and depressed heart rate. For
some, these effects may develop at relatively low doses.
In addition to the side effects listed above, the estrogen-like component of the herb may act just like estrogen itself and contribute to liver problems and abnormal blood clotting, as well as promote the development of certain types of breast tumors. Finally, pregnant women should not use estrogenic herbs.
Black cohosh’s possible effects on the heart are most worrisome. Anyone with heart disease, especially congestive heart failure, should not use it. Potentially potent Black cohosh is a potentially hazardous herb that should be used cautiously. Otherwise, for those who do not have heart disease or estrogen-dependent cancers and are not taking sedatives, blood pressure medication, birth control pills, or post-menopausal estrogen, may use it for short periods in amounts typically recommended, but only with a physician’s consent.