Blue Cohosh Vs. Black Cohosh

Despite similar "cohosh" names, blue cohosh and black cohosh are two distinct roots and are not from the same plant family. The Mayo Clinic says that Native Americans discovered and introduced both roots in the early 1800s. The FDA lists both roots as dietary supplements and has not approved either root for medicinal uses. Blue cohosh and black cohosh are traditionally used to address problems specific to women but have differing properties and uses. As a supplement, both roots are used to make teas, capsules and liquid extracts.

Alternative Estrogen Treatment

Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, traditionally used to treat problems in women related to the hormone estrogen. Estrogen levels decrease as women age. Low estrogen can cause symptoms like hot flashes. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, though the mechanism of action remains unclear, black cohosh appears to exhibit estrogenic activity. This explains its primary usage as an alternative estrogen therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as mood swings. On a smaller scale, black cohosh is used to treat arthritis and muscle pain.

Alternative Menopausal Treatment

Blue cohosh is a member of the barberry family and regarded as a uterine tonic. It is traditionally used to induce labor and stimulate menstrual flow in women suffering from late periods. The FDA has not evaluated blue cohosh for safety or effectiveness. Only use blue cohosh with extreme caution during pregnancy, under professional supervision, says the "Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology." It reported a small number of serious issues with using blue cohosh to induce labor, including stroke and heart failure.

Black Cohosh Research

Black cohosh's preliminary evidence is encouraging, says the Office of Dietary Supplements, but current data are not sufficient to support a recommendation on the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has funded a rigorous study to determine if black cohosh reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Blue Cohosh Research

In a 1999 survey of certified nurse midwives in the United States, given by the "Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology," 64 percent claimed to use blue cohosh to help induce labor. Midwives reported giving patients five drops of blue cohosh every four hours. Adverse side effects reported included nausea and fetal rapid heartbeat, known as tachycardia. The midwives surveyed use blue cohosh to induce labor because they say it is more comfortable for patients than other methods. In the study, "Safety and Efficacy of Blue Cohosh During Pregnancy and Lactation," the CJCP concluded that black cohosh is a uterine stimulant and should only be used to induce labor with extreme caution.

Safety

Both black cohosh and blue cohosh have safety considerations. Long-term use of both roots is linked to liver damage. Side effects of black cohosh include nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. Blue cohosh can cause complications in pregnancy and adverse effects in unborn fetuses. Herbal treatments are not a replacement for traditional medical care. Consult your doctor if you are considering using either of these herbs.