Nature gifts us several precious things among which herbs with medicinal values are the most precious ones! Ayurveda introduced the use of medicinal herbs which dates back to history. Use of herbs for treating different health ailments is quite popular from ancient treatment techniques. One of the many herbs with medicinal properties is black cohosh. It is important to know what black cohosh is good for and what are its side effect?
What Is Black Cohosh Good For?
While a lot is spoken about the benefits of black cohosh, a commonly asked question is what is black cohosh good for? Black cohosh is a flowering plant widespread across parts of Canada and the United States. The black root of this plant possess medicinal properties and is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions including muscle pain and arthritis.
Black cohosh is rich in fukinolic acid possessing estrogen-like effects which is beneficial for women experiencing menopause. The medicinal herb is also beneficial for treating menstrual cramps, kidney issues, rheumatoid arthritis, malaria, joint inflammation, and malaria.
The herb, Black cohosh, is also quite beneficial for women in several ways. Experts believe that black cohosh is good for menstrual problems and menopause. Currently, black cohosh gets used extensively for treating symptoms associated with menopause as well as other related symptoms like vaginal dryness, night sweats, hot flashes, and disturbances in mood. It also gets used for treating menstrual irregularities as well as alleviates premenstrual symptoms. black cohosh is the most popular remedy for treating menopausal symptoms.
What Are the Side Effects of Black Cohosh?
Alongside the benefits, using black cohosh may also trigger a wide range of side effects. So, what are its side effects?
Knowing about the side effects of black cohosh is equally important to take appropriate action. Some effects are more severe than others! One of the major side effects of black cohosh is liver damage. Cases also have been reported for hepatitis. The side effects also include indigestion, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, perspiration, weight gain, and heaviness in legs. Consuming excess dosage of black cohosh may also cause a visual disturbance, seizures, and irregular heartbeat.
Cautions Regarding Black Cohosh Usage
Black cohosh is a potential threat to a specific range of people!
People with liver disorders must avoid using the herb in any form. It is advisable to avoid the herb if the person experiences abdominal pain or other liver trouble symptoms like jaundice and dark color urine. Women must avoid consuming black cohosh during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
People experiencing hormone-sensitive conditions like prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis or those with a history of strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and seizures must also avoid consuming the medicinal herb and its supplements. It is advisable to seek medical advice before taking black cohosh in any form, if you have any of these conditions.
The risk of early labor is high among pregnant women taking the supplements with black cohosh. The medicinal properties of the herb may stimulate uterine contractions which scale up the possibilities of miscarriage. People allergic to aspirins or salicylates must avoid using black cohosh as the herb contains salicylic acid in a small amount.
Seek Medical Advice Before Using Black Cohosh
Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other extracts from plants are dietary supplements which don’t get regulated by the FDA- Food and Drug Administration. The products or supplements with black cohosh don’t meet the standards of the FDA. The manufacturing companies may falsely claim about the effectiveness of their products or may not be clear about the other additives in the supplements that can cause harm.
Hence, it is advised to consult your physician, before taking black cohosh supplement or using the herb in any form. Black cohosh may also interact with other chemicals affecting the health condition of people under medication. Now that you are aware of what black cohosh is good for and what its side effects are, you can take appropriate action. It is safe to seek medical advice and prepare the best treatment plan!
