Understanding the Side Effects of Taking Black Cohosh During Menopause
For menopausal women, splitting headaches, bouts of depression and intense electric shocks all are too often a typical day. Sifting through the many curative remedies available can seem overwhelming when trying to deal with menopausal symptoms. For sufferers searching for a natural alternative to treating symptoms of menopause, black cohosh has been widely used.
Read on to learn more about how black cohosh can help combat the symptoms of menopause.
What is Black Cohosh?
Identified by its characteristically jagged green leaves and knobbly roots, Actaea Racemosa or black cohosh is considered one of the most popular herbs to treat symptoms of menopause. Often mistaken for blue cohosh, its dangerous counterpart, this natural herb has proven effective in treating night sweats, depression and hot flashes.
How Does Black Cohosh Work to Treat Menopause?
Its medicinal properties are derived from the root and can be used either fresh or dried. Mimicking the effects caused by estrogen, black cohosh works to govern the menstrual cycle which declines after menopause. It helps to relieve uterine problems such as poor uterine tone and postmenopausal vaginal dryness. Containing the anti-inflammatory salicyclic, its effects can also help to relieve muscle, pelvic and rheumatic pain. Women who reported taking black cohosh extract showed no added effects. The herb is often used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy which can produce unwanted side effects. Click here to read more information about black cohosh and menopause or continue reading below to learn about the side effects of black cohosh.
What are the Side Effects of Using Black Cohosh?
Used for over 45 years in Germany, no serious adverse effects, contraindications or drug interactions have been reported for users of black cohosh. For sufferers who react to salicyate-based medicine like aspirin, a ringing in the ears or a wheezing cough may result as a result of taking black cohosh.
Additional side effects include dizziness, nausea and slower pulse rate as the herb promotes blood flow to the head. An overdose of black cohosh can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased vision, and tremors and should not be used for sufferers of heart conditions.
In a study done on 704 women, just under 10 per cent experienced short-term stomach effects. Despite this, all the participants continued to take the herb and no further problems persisted. Long-term use should be carefully considered because of the herb�s potential toxicity and carcinogenic attributes.
To help combat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, itching or depression, black cohosh may be the herb that�s right for you. Click here to find out how black cohosh works to treat menopause.
