special subjects
Black Cohosh
What are the possible side effects of black cohosh?
Side effects are uncommon. The most likely are headache and stomach discomfort. Black cohoshmay also cause dizziness, excessive sweating, and, in high doses, low blood pressure. Because a few people have developed liver problems, the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) has recommended thatblack cohoshproducts be labeled with a warning that they may be toxic to the liver. In pregnancy,black cohoshmay theoretically cause uterine contractions and thus result in miscarriage. Also, it should be avoided while breastfeeding, because it is present in breast milk, possibly causing hormonal effects in nursing infants. 