BLUE
COHOSH –Caulophyllum Thalictroides, Caulophyllum Giganteum,
Caulophyllum Robustum, etc.
Also
known as: squaw root, papoose root, blue ginseng, yellow
ginseng, blueberry root, women’s best friend, beech drops, etc.
Parts
used: root
Systems/organs
affected: liver, glandular, digestive, female reproductive
Properties: uterine tonic, abortifacient,
emmenogogue, diuretic, anthelmintic, relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic,
stimulant, parturient, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, vermifuge, laxative,
antiseptic, estrogenic, nervine, demulcent, anti-rheumatic
BLUE COHOSH is
a member of the Berberidaceae (barberry) family. It is a perennial that is purple in color
when young but a lovely blue green once it reaches maturity. It has a smooth stem with pyramid shaped
clusters of yellow green to purple brown flowers. It can get up to three feet tall and produces
deep blue fruit at maturity. Interestingly
enough the plant is named for the color of its fruit and has nothing to do with
the root. The leaves are deeply lobed
and irregular and alternate on the stem.
They have two to five pointed lobes on each leaf. The root is knotty with short branches and
can get up to 10 inches long. There are
five species of Caulophyllum, two in North America and three in NE Asia. It can be found growing in forests, north
facing slopes and moist areas around bodies of water. (It seems to like higher
elevations). The berries are pea sized
and contain a seed (which is deemed poisonous) and not edible. The root is best dug in September or October
when they are most medicinal.
Blue cohosh has a rather controversial background and is best
used with caution. It is a truly
valuable plant but just be aware of its potential on both sides of the line
before choosing to utilize it. Blue
cohosh is NOT related to black cohosh.
They are from vastly different families.
The word cohosh is actually Algonquin and means ‘gnarly root’ roughly translated.
It appropriately describes the root which was used by many Native tribes
for a number of things, most of which involved female issues. They would gather the roots in the fall and
dry them. The roots were then chopped
and used for rheumatic conditions, bronchitis, colic, arthritis, gout,
intestinal worms, menstrual cramping, delayed menses and more. It was actually used most as an oxytocic
(facilitates childbirth). Indian women
would start taking it about two weeks from their delivery time. It was said to help labor to be quick and
unproblematic. Native women also
preferred this herb when it came to false labor pains, Braxton-Hicks
constrictions and pain after delivery.
It was used with black haw and cramp bark to prevent miscarriage when
there may have been concern. However, it
should NEVER be given to pregnant women UNTIL a few weeks before their delivery
date as it could potentially also cause a miscarriage if given too early. (It
was used as an abortifacient in that capacity in early times as well).
Peter Smith, author of ‘The Indian Doctor’s Dispensory’, was
one of the first to use this plant in modern medicine back in 1813. It was actually listed in the US Pharmacopiea
until 1905. Dr. Christopher stated it is
an excellent nervine and antispasmodic and used it for many nerve related
issues including epilepsy, hysteria and neuralgia. Dr. Edward Shook (Elementary Treatise in Herbology,
Advanced Treatise in Herbology, etc.) wrote that blue cohosh is an
ancient Indian remedy. He writes,
“They believed it to be
the best parturient in nature, and it was the habit of their women to drink the
tea several weeks before labor….called ‘woman’s best friend’ for the reason
that it is much more reliable and far less dangerous in expediting delivery in
those cases where labor is slow, very painful, and does not bring about natural
delivery.”
This herb has been used by native Americans for chlamydia,
endometriosis and cervical dysplasia as well.
Interestingly enough it was also used as a form of birth control when
not pregnant as well.
Blue cohosh contains a glycoside called caulosaponin that
promotes the blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulates contractions. It also contains methylcystisine which can
mimic the effects of nicotine (but is 1/40 the toxicity of nicotine). This component is believed to raise blood
pressure, promote respiration and intestinal motility. It also contains a number of other beneficial
nutrients such as beta-carotene, manganese, ascorbic acid, chromium,
phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, niacin, iron, cobalt, inositol, potassium,
riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, zinc, silicon and tin. It has often been compared to golden seal in
its effects.
Blue cohosh is best mixed with other mucilaginous herbs if
using it for long periods of time as it can irritate the digestive tract when
taken alone. It is best to use the cut
and sifted form rather than the powder for the same reason. Midwives still use this herb for assistance
with delivery, other than that it is mostly used by women for help with
menstrual issues. It has been used for
candida, constipation, fiberous cystic disease, endometriosis, cervical
dysplasia, hiccups, warts, acne, joint and muscle pain, colds and flu and as a
vermifuge.
Too much of this herb can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea,
chest pain and an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure. It has been said by the NYU Langone Medical
Center that it can interfere with the implantation of fertilized eggs in the
uterus and cause damage to the uterus as well as the thyroid. (Personally I think if that’s the case then
there would be a boat load of native American women with thyroid
problems…) WebMD says it shouldn’t be used
by children, pregnant and/or nursing women, those with skin conditions, heart
conditions, diabetics or those on blood pressure medications. They also caution those with hormone
sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, breast and/or uterine cancer and
uterine fibroids. As always, consult a
qualified physician before ever starting an herbal product or regimen.
As is customary with my posts I am including some links for your perusal. Enjoy and stay strong and healthy!
