Blue cohosh is an estrogenic herb that contains a unique substance, caulosaponin, which causes the uterus to contract. As an herbal supplement, blue cohosh has been used to induce labor, stimulate menses or alleviate menstrual cramps. Blue cohosh combined with other herbs, such as pennyroyal, has been used in traditional cultures as birth control and to terminate pregnancy. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, do not use blue cohosh without talking to your health care provider, as it may lead to miscarriage or premature labor.
Step 1
Make a warm tea from blue cohosh to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps and PMS. Blue cohosh is a dried root, also known as papoose root, and can be purchased from an herb store.
Step 2
Speed up a slow labor by using a tincture of blue and black cohosh to strengthen uterine contractions. The tincture may be alcohol or water based. Do not use this tincture without consulting your doctor or midwife. According to Drugs.com, "Blue cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of blue cohosh may not be known."
Step 3
Treat vaginitis with a blue cohosh douche. Amy Rost, author of "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How," suggests boiling blue cohosh in water, straining out the root and allowing the water to cool before using it as an internal douche to relieve vaginal inflammation and irritation.
Tips and Warnings
- Blue cohosh is available as a tea and in capsule and tincture form. Choose the best delivery method for your application.
- Blue cohosh is a powerful herb. Use it only under the care of an experienced practitioner.
References
- Sister Zeus: Blue Cohosh
- Drugs.com: Blue Cohosh
- GivingBirthNaturally.com: Do Herbs Induce Labor?
- "Natural Healing Wisdom & Know-How: Useful Practices, Recipes and Formulas"; Amy Rost; 2009
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