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Digestive System Disorders Traced Back To the Use of Black Cohosh

Anyone seeking out natural and alternative methodologies for dealing with life's various problems and changes will oftentimes have a rudimentary understanding of the workings of a specific plant, but rarely - if ever - possess the information needed to weigh advantages as opposed to disadvantages. Sure, some plants are dangerous to ingest and it has become common knowledge that there are some which are best avoided because of their poisonous qualities, but others may not have been thus identified as such and it is then that the consumer is at the highest risk.

Assuming that a substance for sale in a health food store is safe, and anything that professes to be natural, botanical or herbal must be save for human ingestions, there have been cases of severe backlash when an alternative method of healing or self-medication has actually resulted in severe health problems.

Take for example the cases of women undergoing menopause who have been looking to the world of botany for help. Several tinctures and dietary supplements are available, among them one that is an herb usually considered to be a weed named Cohosh. In the lore of Native Americans, this herb has been thought to have found significant use for those who suffered from spirits of malaise - which today would be referred to as depression - but it was also known to work as a common aborting facilitator.

Today there are several nutritional supplements that are sold for the relief of common menopause symptoms and the Black Cohosh variety features front and center in these compounds. Yet in recent years this substance has come under fire as it has become indicted in a plethora of serious side effects. Digestive system disorders traced back to the use of Black Cohosh are legion and include anemia, systemic calcium deficiency, diarrhea, severe nausea, bladder problems, and extreme cramping. Depending on the other substances that are mixed in with this plant and also the amount per dose, it is possible to even induce menopause or cause temporary infertility when ingesting Black Cohosh.

Physicians are concerned that the digestive system disorders traced back to the use of Black Cohosh come on suddenly and may lead women taking the substance for menopause relief to falsely conclude that a higher dose is indicated so as to do away with symptoms that are mistaken for those of menopause. With the heightened dosage, the side effects will kick in to a much more significant extent, and before the consumer who has assumed to be taking a natural and healthy route for dealing with a common life change will in fact be severely anemic and at the same time have managed to purge a dangerous amount of calcium from her bodily systems.

Left unchecked, severe illness, rectal bleeding, and electrolyte imbalance are but a few short days away. From there a trip to the emergency room is unavoidable; while it is indeed possible to counteract the effects of using Black Cohosh, it is wise to remember that any kind of dietary supplement - whether it is called herbal, botanical or natural - should be discussed with your doctor!