Baneberry

 
Generic Name: black cohosh

What is the most important information I should know about Baneberry?

· Do not confuse Baneberry with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart.

· Do not take Baneberry without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether Baneberry can stimulate breast cancer cell growth.

· Do not take Baneberry without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether Baneberry will harm an unborn baby. Baneberry has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.

· Baneberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of Baneberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

 

What is Baneberry?

· The use of Baneberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

· Baneberry is also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root, rattleroot, bugwort, and richweed.

· Baneberry has been used to ease the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort. Baneberry has also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and hardening of the arteries.

· Baneberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of Baneberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

· Baneberry may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Baneberry?

· Before taking Baneberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Baneberry may not be recommended in some situations.

· Do not take Baneberry without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether Baneberry can stimulate breast cancer cell growth.

· Do not take Baneberry without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether Baneberry will harm an unborn baby. Baneberry has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.

· Do not take Baneberry without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether Baneberry will harm a nursing infant.

· There is no information available regarding the use of Baneberry by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

 

How should I take Baneberry?

· The use of Baneberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

· If you choose to take Baneberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

· Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

· Take the pill forms of Baneberry with a full glass of water.

· To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Baneberry with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

· Some forms of Baneberry can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

· Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of Baneberry at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of Baneberry.

· Do not confuse Baneberry with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart.

· Store Baneberry as directed on the package. In general, Baneberry should be protected from light and moisture.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· No information is available regarding a missed dose of Baneberry. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Baneberry overdose are not well known but might include nausea, dizziness, seizures, visual disturbances, reduced pulse rate, and increased perspiration.

 

What should I avoid while taking Baneberry?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Baneberry, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

 

What are the possible side effects of Baneberry?

· Although rare, allergic reactions to Baneberry may occur. Stop taking Baneberry and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

· Large doses of Baneberry have been reported to cause     ·nausea,     ·dizziness,     ·seizures,     ·visual disturbances,     ·reduced pulse rate, and     ·increased sweating.

· Stomach upset has been reported as a common side effect with the use of therapeutic doses of Baneberry.

· Other side effects may also occur with the use of Baneberry. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Baneberry?

· Interactions between Baneberry and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking Baneberry if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about Baneberry.

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