Blue Cohosh - Caulophyllum thalictroides - Information Sheet
Blue Cohosh is native to eastern North American forests and has long been known as a women’s herb. It spreads by both seeds and roots and the root/rhizome part is what is used.
Key Constituents: Alkaloids (caulophylline) (laburnine) (magnoflorine), steroidal saponins (caulosapogenin).
Blue Cohosh promotes menstruation, is contraceptive and abortifacient. It has been used by indigenous peoples to help speed labor, ease birthing pain, and treat retained placenta. It is believed to help with ovarian neuralgia, and endometriosis. Aside from women’s issues it has been used as an expectorant, diaphoretic, and diuretic. It is anti-inflammatory 1 and has been combined with various other herbs and used for bronchitis, nerves, UTI, rheumatism, and more. In the past it was combined with black cohosh to enhance the relaxing nervine effect. Black cohosh is also a women’s herb and is very helpful for relieving hot flashes.
Suggested tincture dosing: 0.5 - 1.0 ml three times a day. It should be tinctured in at least 70% alcohol which is 140 proof. Start slowly as allergy is always a possibility.
Contraindications: Not for use in children. Not for use in people who are quitting nicotine or who are heavy smokers. The nicotinic alkaloid N-methylcytisine can cause nicotine overdose/toxicity. Use in pregnancy ONLY under the supervision of medical professionals. Not for use while breastfeeding. Do not combine with oxytocin. Blue cohosh contains a vasoconstrictive glycoside so heart patients should only use it under medical supervision.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.