Does black cohosh induce labor?

Women have long used plants and herbs as medicines and some to induce labor when their pregnancy is at term. Some herbs are not always safe to use during pregnancy, and it's best to let the work take its toll. But is black cohosh safe?

Can black cohosh induce labor?

Black cohosh is an herb that many women use for menopausal symptoms. Native Americans have used black cohosh for many years as part of traditional medicine. It sometimes goes by other names, including:

Black snakeroot
Bugbane
Bugwort
Rattleroot
Rattleweed
Macrotys

Experts believe that weed affects various hormones. It could be estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or serotonin, but research findings are unclear.

It is possible that black cohosh can induce labor. There are not many studies on how black cohosh affects pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some studies show that black cohosh can contract the uterus, which can induce labor. Other studies are unclear if this affects the uterus.

Some midwives use cimicifuga to relax the uterus and stimulate contractions, but this should not be done at home on its own. More research is needed on the safety of black cohosh. Because the research is unclear, black cohosh should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Ingestion

In studies, people took cimicifuga for 12 months without any side effects. But this does not apply to pregnant women, and it should not be taken by mouth during pregnancy.

Side effects

Black cohosh can cause side effects such as cramps, headaches, indigestion, skin rashes, vaginal bleeding or spotting, weight gain, and a feeling of heaviness. Rare cases of liver damage have been reported associated with ingestion of commercial black cohosh products. It is not clear if these side effects were caused by the plant or the product.

Large amounts of black cohosh can also cause side effects. These may include:

Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Nausea
Slow heart rate
Seizures, in rare cases
Drug interactions

Black cohosh may interact with statins (cholesterol medications). This means that it may prevent the medicine from working properly. The risk seems low, but it is not well understood.

Risks

Taking black cohosh during pregnancy can induce labor by relaxing the uterus and causing contractions.

Sometimes black stalk is confused with blue or mixed with food. Blue cohosh can be dangerous. Some people have used cimicifuga and cimicifuga together to induce labor, but this has had side effects in at least one baby.

Experts don't fully understand what black cohosh can do to your baby. You should speak to your doctor first before taking any herbal supplements or considering inducing labor on your own, as it may not be safe.

Women suffering from hormonal cancer or diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or endometriosis should not use cimicifuga. Research on cancer and how black cohosh works for these conditions is mixed, so you shouldn't take it without talking to your doctor first.

How is black cohosh intended to be used?

Black cohosh has long been used for muscle pain, fever, coughs, pneumonia, and menstrual problems. Today, it is mainly used for common female hormonal problems. This includes:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Dry vagina
Trouble sleeping
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Irritability
Nervousness
Menstrual pain
Premenstrual syndrome

Studies show that it relieves menopausal symptoms and normal doses can be taken safely without any major side effects.

Osteoporosis

Some studies have shown that black cohosh can stop bone loss in osteoporosis, but more research is needed.

Arthritis

Black cohosh may help reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There isn't enough research to say it can be used alone for arthritis.

Black cohosh root is an ingredient in herbal supplements. Black cohosh comes in many forms, including:

Tablets
Capsules
Tinctures
Extracts
Dried root
Standardized supplement

Dried black cohosh root is used as a tea, but standardized extracts are best used for menopausal symptoms.

Sometimes commercial products contain other ingredients that may be unsafe and cause side effects. Some studies have tested products and found weeds or other herbs not listed on the packaging. It is important to use only products that are clearly labeled.

If you are pregnant and planning to induce labor, you should first talk to your doctor before taking any action on your own. Pregnant women should not take cimicifuga as it can be dangerous. In general, before taking any herbal supplement, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.