Blue Cohosh
Blue Cohosh rootAlso known as- Caulophylum thalictroides, blue ginseng, yellow ginseng, papoose root, squawroot. Not to be confused with black cohosh, an unrelated plant. IntroductionBlue cohosh is a woodland plant in the same family as barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape root, native to the eastern United States and Canada. It was widely used by midwives both among Native Americans and American settlers in the nineteenth century to induce labor, and to treat menstrual cramps in women and stomach cramps in both sexes. The Iroquois used it to treat arthritis, the Mohegan to treat urinary tract infections, and the Cherokee used it as a tranquilizer. Blue Cohosh is also known as Papoose Root or Squaw Root due to its extensive use by Native American women for childbirth. Blue Cohosh is known to reduce pain during labor, at the same time improving the efficiency of contractions to speed up the birth process. This herb also alleviates anxiety. This herb has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans - and some forms of the herb have also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has become more well known in the Western World through research on its supportive effect on hormone functioning and support of the female reproductive system. Constituents Alkaloids: scaulophylline (methylcytisine), anagyrine, baptifoline; and magnoflorine. Also contains a unique saponin, caulosaponin, its primary active ingredient. Parts UsedDried root. Typical PreparationsMost frequently used as a tincture. Traditionally combined with goldenseal. May also be used as an extract, capsule or tea. SummaryBlue cohosh stimulates uterine activity. It can stop menstrual cramping, initiate menstruation when periods are missed, induce labor, or prevent implantation of the fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus during the first 24 hours after intercourse. It is also used to prevent excessive menstrual flow, relieve abdominal cramping, and to treat headache and seizures. As an analgesic, blue cohosh is about 50% more effective than aspirin.DonÍt take more than one teaspoon of blue cohosh three times a day. If taking the whole herb, limit to 300-400 milligrams three times a day. PrecautionsBlue cohosh is a useful herb that should be used with care.To induce labor, blue cohosh should only be administered by an experienced midwife.Blue cohosh is not recommended as a tool for family planning. The problem with using blue cohosh for birth control is its unpredictability. For instance, blue cohosh might act as a "morning after" contraceptive, but itÍs hard to know the effective dosage.Infants should never be given blue cohosh, or be nursed for 12 hours after their mothers or breastfeeding surrogates have taken blue cohosh. Do not use if there is high blood pressure or heart disease.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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