Battling It Out with the Different Black Cohosh Side Effects

Any consumer of supplements should know that there are possible black cohosh side effects that she may encounter. Thus, it does pay to be a little more vigilant.

A Look-back First

Before you get to know what these side effects are, you should learn more about the black cohosh plant. This one is abundant in North America, especially in some states like Arkansas and Missouri. You will also normally find them growing in the woodlands.

The herb has been used for so many years, since the time of the Native Americans. Ancient Chinese medicine also tapped on the roots and rhizomes of the plant to treat different kinds of illnesses.

Black cohosh is considered to be responsible for treating or reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, arthritis and other joint pains, and menopause. It can also be utilized to cure tinnitus and even serve as an antidote for snake bites.

Side Effects of Black Cohosh

However, there are black cohosh side effects. Some of the most commonly reported are stomach pains, headache, vaginal bleeding, and even weight gain. If your body is not used to it, there’s a good chance that you’re going to develop allergic reactions.

It is also important that you can pay attention to your liver when you’re taking the extract. Though there are still no known studies that prove that black cohosh can cause liver damage, you might as well take note of any signs such as jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, and darker color of the urine.

The different compounds that are found in black cohosh may also not work well together with your medications. In fact, you may develop countereffects, which may pose great danger to your health.

It is also not advisable for women to drink the extract if they are not yet more than 40 weeks of their gestation, as it can usually induce premature labor.

Then there’s also the supposed relationship between black cohosh and breast cancer. There are some conflicting studies of the occurrence of breast cancer and the extract. Some claim that it does promote the growth of breast cancer cells, while others say that it can halt the tumor.

Regardless, women who are prone to breast cancer—those who already have history of the disease, considered at high-risk level, or have the tendency to have cancer due to estrogen—should stay away from the extract at all costs.

What to Do

All in all, black cohosh has very mild toxicity level, and you may never get to suffer the black cohosh side effects only if you pay attention to certain tips.

One, you should always consult your doctor before you take any black cohosh supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, taking other medications, or are prone to cancer. Moreover, you should only purchase these supplements from reputable manufacturers, those who have taken time to study the ingredient.

Lastly, don’t go overboard with the black cohosh dosage. Fortunately, the Female Rejuvenator of Xtend-life has 110 mg of black cohosh, just enough for what your body needs.

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