Blue Cohosh Herbs
- Blue cohosh is a traditional medicine for menstrual cramps.Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
Blue cohosh is a uterine stimulant. It is known to cause the walls of the uterus to contract; it may also impede ovulation. Because of this, it has traditionally been used to induce abortion, and was also sometimes taken as a contraceptive. It was also taken as an emmenagogue; in other words, to delay menstruation. It was also used to control heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps. - Blue cohosh has been used to cure indigestion.Stockbyte/Retrofile/Getty Images
The Native Americans used blue cohosh to cure many ailments besides those specific to women. It was often given to people suffering from ills as diverse as fever, fits, gallstones, bladder and kidney infections, sore throat, bronchitis and general nervousness. Caulosaponin, an active ingredient in blue cohosh, elevates the blood pressure. For this reason, the herb was often used as a cardiac stimulant and as a general tonic. It was also used as an anti-inflammatory drug in cases of rheumatism. - You can make a tea or tincture from blue cohosh.Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Blue cohosh is rich in minerals such as iron, manganese, phosphorus and selenium. It also contains significant amounts of niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. To use blue cohosh, you must either make a tea or a tincture using the dried or fresh root. For blue cohosh tea, place 1 tsp. of the powdered root in a contaier with a lid. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Cover the container and let the tea steep for about half an hour. To make a tincture, use fresh-chopped blue cohosh root and combine it in a 1:2 ratio with a 40 to 60 percent alcohol such as 100-proof vodka. If you are using the dried root, combine in a 1:5 ratio. - Pregnant women should avoid blue cohosh.Photos.com/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Blue cohosh is an extremely potent and potentially toxic herb that should only be used under the direction of a medical professional. People suffering from cardiac disorders or high blood pressure should not use it because it constricts the blood vessels near the heart, and elevates blood pressure. You should also avoid it if you have a history of stroke, diabetes or glaucoma. Pregnant women should avoid blue cohosh altogether, since it causes uterine contractions.
