Plant Profile: Blue Cohosh

Blue Cohosh

(Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Family: BERBERIDACEAE

Energetics: Warming.

Taste: Acrid. Bitter. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Uterus

Parts Used: Rhizome.

Key Components: Caulopsaponin. Alkaloids. Fungicidal saponin. Glycosides. Gum. Starch. Salts. Phosphoric acid. Soluble acid. 

Preparations & dosage: Decoction: Tincture: 

Actions: 

Foundational: Stimulant. Bitter. Astringent.
Primary: Diuretic. Diaphoretic. Emmenagogue. 
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Tonic (uterine)

Uses: 

Stimulates uterus and brings on absent or suppressed menstruation. Often taken with black cohosh for a week or so before delivery to prepare the uterus, stimulate contractions and to increase likelihood of a easy birth. 

Also used during labor when it is long and drawn out to help speed things along. 

Dysmenorrhea. Amenorrhea. 

While most recommend avoiding the use of Blue Cohosh during pregnancy, David Hoffman recommends it in the event of a threat of miscarriage as well as to ease braxton hicks and false labor pains. 

Combines well with: Black cohosh. False Unicorn Root. Motherwort. Yarrow. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Collect in fall once aerial parts have died back. 

Contraindications: Not for use during pregnancy except in labor. 

Sources: 

Herbal Healing for Women: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 178-179
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 99-100
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 225

Studies:

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.