Health Information

Blue Cohosh

Uses

Botanical names:

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Parts Used & Where Grown

Blue cohosh grows throughout North America. The roots of this flower are used medicinally. Blue cohosh is not related to Reference black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). However, both herbs are primarily used to treat women’s health problems.

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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Amenorrhea Refer to label instructions	Traditional practitioners consider blue cohosh to be a uterine tonic and an agent that stimulates menstrual blood flow, and it is used as a remedy for lack of menstruation. Reference Blue cohosh is a traditional remedy for lack of menstruation. It is considered an emmenagogue (agent that stimulates menstrual blood flow) and a uterine tonic. No clinical trials have validated this traditional use.
1 Star Dysmenorrhea Refer to label instructions	Blue cohosh has been used traditionally for easing painful menstrual periods. Women of childbearing age using this herb should stop using it as soon as they become pregnant. Reference Blue cohosh , although unrelated to black cohosh, has also been used traditionally for easing painful menstrual periods. Blue cohosh, which is generally taken as a tincture, should be limited to no more than 1–2 ml taken three times per day. The average single application of the whole herb is 300–1,000 mg. Blue cohosh is generally used in combination with other herbs. Women of childbearing age using this herb should cease using it as soon as they become Reference pregnant—the herb was shown to cause heart problems in an infant born following maternal use of blue cohosh.²

Used for

Why

1 Star

Amenorrhea

Refer to label instructions

Traditional practitioners consider blue cohosh to be a uterine tonic and an agent that stimulates menstrual blood flow, and it is used as a remedy for lack of menstruation.

Reference Blue cohosh is a traditional remedy for lack of menstruation. It is considered an emmenagogue (agent that stimulates menstrual blood flow) and a uterine tonic. No clinical trials have validated this traditional use.

1 Star

Dysmenorrhea

Refer to label instructions

Blue cohosh has been used traditionally for easing painful menstrual periods. Women of childbearing age using this herb should stop using it as soon as they become pregnant.

Reference Blue cohosh , although unrelated to black cohosh, has also been used traditionally for easing painful menstrual periods. Blue cohosh, which is generally taken as a tincture, should be limited to no more than 1–2 ml taken three times per day. The average single application of the whole herb is 300–1,000 mg. Blue cohosh is generally used in combination with other herbs. Women of childbearing age using this herb should cease using it as soon as they become Reference pregnant—the herb was shown to cause heart problems in an infant born following maternal use of blue cohosh.²

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Native Americans are believed to have used blue cohosh flowers to induce labor and menstruation.¹ Blue cohosh is a traditional remedy for lack of menstruation. It is considered an emmenagogue (agent that stimulates menstrual flow) and a uterine tonic. No clinical trials have validated this traditional use. It has also been used traditionally to treat painful periods (Reference dysmenorrhea). Early 20th century physicians in the United States who treated with natural remedies (known as Eclectic physicians) used blue cohosh for these same purposes and also to treat kidney infections, arthritis, and other ailments.

How It Works

Botanical names:

Caulophyllum thalictroides

How It Works

A saponin from blue cohosh called caulosaponin is believed to stimulate uterine contractions.³ Several other alkaloids may be active in this herb. However, current research about the active constituents of blue cohosh is insufficient.

How to Use It

Blue cohosh is generally taken as a tincture and should be limited to no more than 1–2 ml taken three times per day. The whole herb (300–1,000 mg per day) is sometimes used. Blue cohosh is generally used in combination with other herbs.

Interactions

Botanical names:

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Large amounts of blue cohosh can cause nausea, headaches, and Reference high blood pressure. Blue cohosh should only be used under medical supervision and in limited amounts. Using blue cohosh during Reference pregnancy has been brought into question by reports of an infant developing a stroke and another infant being born with Reference congestive heart failure.⁴ ^{, 5} Safety studies need to be completed to determine whether blue cohosh is safe to use during pregnancy.

Related Information

Reference What Are Depletions & Interactions?

References

1. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam Books, 1991, 120–3.

2. Jones TK, Lawson BM. Profound neonatal congestive heart failure caused by maternal consumption of blue cohosh herbal medication. J Pediatr 1998;132:550–2.

3. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Salt Lake City: Gibbs-Smith Publisher, 1993, 48–50.

4. Finkel RS, Zarlengo KM. Blue cohosh and perinatal stroke. N Engl J Med 2004 351:302–3.

5. Jones TK, Lawson BM. Profound neonatal congestive heart failure caused by maternal consumption of blue cohosh herbal medication. J Pediatr 1998;132:550–2.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.