Can Black Cohosh Result In A Miscarriage?

Remedies for many ailments are available from extracts of plants and their roots. Many people like to take herbal remedies for quick relief and also because most of them do not have any side effects. However, if a woman is pregnant, she should be careful about using herbal remedies. There are some herbs that can result in miscarriage. Before a pregnant woman begins kind of herbal remedy, she should first consult her doctor.

One herbal remedy that a pregnant woman should be careful about is black cohosh. The root of the plant actaea racemosa, also called black cohosh, has been used for many years as a cure for the cramps during menstrual cycles and relief from symptoms during menopause. Administering this root extract during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or premature labor.

This plant is a member of the family of buttercup. Symptoms during menopause, such as mood swing, dryness of vagina or hot flashes and pain during normal menstruation, are alleviated with the help of black cohosh. It encourages contractions of the uterine walls. Hence, it is unsuitable during pregnancy.

Consumption of herbal products like tea containing black cohosh, should be done after checking the ingredient label. Other names of this herb are bugwort, squawort, snakeroot or bugbane. One should watch out for these names as well. If symptoms of miscarriage, such as vaginal bleeding, pain in the lower back or abdomen, passage of clots or tissue through vagina occur, the woman should immediately consult her doctor.

Abortion of unwanted pregnancy is sometimes attempted using black and blue cohosh along with dong quai. These have the ability to cause contractions of the uterus and dilate the cervix. But complete expulsion of the conceived fetus will not be guaranteed. These remains can cause an infection called sepsis. Symptoms of incomplete miscarriages are vaginal bleeding, discharge with foul smell, fever and cramps. This can result in death if not treated in time.
If natural labor does not occur on completion of full-term, some mid-wives use this herb to induce labor. This is dangerous since the lives of the mother and the infant will be at risk. Usage of black cohosh can cause neurological problems in the developing fetus.

Many supplements have an effect on the cervix and uterus, thus increasing the risks of miscarriages in pregnant women. Pregnant women should be extra cautious while taking herbal supplements. Some herbal medicines also contain traces of metals that are toxic which are harmful during pregnancy.