Blue cohosh was originally used as a medicinal herb by Native American Indians, and then widely adopted in traditional medicine during the 19th century for managing various ailments. However, it is dangerous to use, as it is toxic to humans. There is insufficient scientific information to recommend blue cohosh for any medicinal use. Consult with your doctor before using blue cohosh for medicinal purposes.
Identification and Dosage
Blue cohosh is also commonly known as squaw root, papoose root, and blue or yellow ginseng. It is not related to black cohosh, although both herbs are mostly used to treat women's health problems. Blue cohosh is typically used as a tincture in doses up to 1 to 2 milliliters, taken three times per day. The whole herb may be taken in daily doses of 300 to 1,000 milligrams. Blue cohosh is commonly used in combination with other herbs.
How It Works
Blue cohosh contains substances called saponins, which are thought to be the active chemicals. Saponins are one of many substances produced by plants that serve as their defense against disease and other harmful effects. A saponin in blue cohosh called caulosaponin may be responsible for stimulating uterine contractions. Other chemicals in blue cohosh may also be active, but there is insufficient scientific evidence to support their effects.
Effects
Blue cohosh may have effects on the uterus by causing uterine contractions and stimulating menstrual blood flow. It is most commonly used for purportedly treating amenorrhea, or lack of menstrual blood flow. It has also been used for relieving painful menstrual periods, or dysmenorrhea. However, there are no human research studies of blue cohosh for any of its uses because it is toxic to humans.
Considerations
Blue cohosh is a toxic herb that should not be used without strict medical supervision. If you take blue cohosh in large amounts, you may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, and high blood pressure, warns the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. If you take it while pregnant, blue cohosh can also have adverse effects on the fetus, as case reports have cited an infant developing a stroke and another infant being born with congestive heart failure to mothers who used blue cohosh during pregnancy.
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