Blue Cohosh

(Caulophyllum thalictroides) Part used: Rhizome. Properties: Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, oxytocic, diuretic. What it affects: Uterus, nerves, joints and urinary tract.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. Take 1-2 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 10-30 drops (1/6 to 1/2 tsp.) 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 1-5 #0 capsules (5-30 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, blue cohosh is used to regulate menstrual flow, especially for suppressed menstruation. The Indians used it to induce labor, for children’s colic and for cramps. Indian women made sure they took it during the last month of pregnancy, to aid in a speedy and painless delivery.

• Blue cohosh eases muscle spasms and stimulates uterine contractions for childbirth. It is useful for nervous disorders and memory problems. It is used as an antispasmodic in cough medicines and to treat lung problems and all female spasms.

Note: Blue cohosh is often combined with black cohosh because the herbs have complementary properties beneficial for the nerves and a strong antispasmodic effect on the entire system. It is also combined with other herbs, to promote their effects in treating bronchitis, nervous disorders, urinary tract ailments and rheumatism.

Warning: Blue cohosh should always be given only in combination with order herbs indicated for the condition being treated. Blue cohosh can be very irritating to mucous surfaces and can cause dermatitis on contact. Children have been poisoned by the berries. It is best not to use either blue cohosh or black cohosh in teas, because some of the active principles are not soluble in water. Because of its emmenagogue properties, it is not to be used by pregnancy women, except during the last month of pregnancy.