What is black cohosh?
Black cohosh
is a member of the buttercup family and is found in hardwood forests. Black cohosh is a
phytoestrogen, substances that are chemically similar to the human hormone estrogen. Black
cohosh is available in capsules and liquid. Its active ingredients are thought to be complex
triterpenes, tannins, resins, and isoflavonoids.
Black cohosh
has been reported to increase menstrual flow, increase heart rate, and cause nausea or
vomiting, dizziness, headache, tremors, and giddiness. People with high blood pressure or heart
disease should not use black cohosh. Because of its similarity to estrogen, women with
estrogen-dependent cancers or those taking birth control pills or estrogen therapy should not
use it. Black cohosh should not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the first six
months. Because the long-term effects of black cohosh are unknown, you should not use it for
more than six months.
Shop for black cohosh
available on Walgreens.com.
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