, a very different herbal supplement with
potentially damaging effects on the heart.
Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been
diagnosed with
. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell
growth.
Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will
harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce
miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.
Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
What is black cohosh?
The use of black cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a
primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the
uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health
care providers involved may be advantageous.
Black cohosh is also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root,
rattleroot, bugwort, and richweed.
Black cohosh has been used to ease the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort.
Black cohosh has also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and hardening of the
arteries.
Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where
herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs.
Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of
contamination.
Black cohosh may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take black cohosh?
Before taking black cohosh, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Black cohosh may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been
diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell
growth.
Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will
harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce
miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.
Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether black cohosh will harm a
nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of black cohosh by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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