Blue Cohosh (CaulophyllumThalictroides) is a medicinal plant, a small genus of perennial herbs belonging to the Berberidaceae family and is native to North America and Eastern Asia. It is widely known for its function of accelerating uterine contractions, ideal in the childbirth phase. However, it has other beneficial properties as well, which are not widely known. In this regard, this article intends to discuss the medicinal properties and benefits of Blue Cohosh!

Let’s start this discussion with the origin of Blue Cohosh!

Blue Cohosh Origin

Blue Cohosh is a North American herb called blue ginseng, which the Indians of North Americans used to call squaw root. They used it very frequently to alleviate the issues related to menstruation and childbirth. In homeopathic dilution, it is still used in improving menstruation disorders and in preparation for childbirth.

Indications for Blue Cohosh

• Painful menstruation: scanty periods with painful expulsion of clots
• Rheumatic pain in the joints of the fingers (without joint deformation)
• Rheumatoid arthritis in women
• False contraction pains during childbirth; pains radiating far in all directions
• Feeling of a cut when the hand closes
• Scanty, spasmodic, painful periods from puberty
• Joint pain often accompanies period pain

Properties and Benefits of Blue Cohosh

Effectiveness in Child Birth

The use of Blue Cohosh is very effective for women during childbirth. The steroid substances contained in it accelerate uterine contractions during labor. It contributes to the dilation of the cervix and regulates the contractions of the uterine walls, thus making the pain felt during this phase more bearable. Thanks to the presence of steroidal saponins, such as caulosapogenin, and alkaloids, particularly caulophylline, laburnine, and magnoflorine, make it effective in childbirth.

Thus, Blue Cohosh can be used in uterine contractions at the end of pregnancy to facilitate obstetrical labor during childbirth.

Emmenagogue Properties

Blue Cohosh has emmenagogue properties that help regulate menstrual flow while reducing the pain of menstruation. It can also help to reduce rheumatism and interphalangeal arthritis. It also reduces blood flow in case of heavy periods.

Antispasmodic, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic and Anti-Rheumatic Properties

Blue Cohosh's essence can also alleviate migraines, muscle cramps, arthritis, rheumatism, and menstrual pain, thanks to its properties. It can be effective in rheumatic pain in small joints, phalanges or interphalangeal, without deformity, causing a feeling of cut when the joint is bent. It can also relieve the pain worsened by menopause or when periods stop or become less frequent.However, it is not advised to consume it during pregnancy without the supervision of a doctor.

Blue Cohosh has been widely used in homeopathic medicine to relieve the indications mentioned above. Unlike many other herbs, you cannot make its infusion at home to consume it. It can be consumed as homeopathic medicine or herbal supplements, available at herbalist stores in consultation with your doctor.