| Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum) is one of the medicinal | | | | While almost no scientific study of Blue Cohosh |
| herbs of North America. The plant is a perennial | | | | has been conducted, side effects reported by |
| woodland herb native to the eastern part of | | | | midwives include excessively strong tetanic |
| North America. Blue Cohosh is an oxytocic herb, | | | | contractions or hyperstimulation of the uterus, |
| meaning it mimics the hormone oxytocin, which | | | | which could lead to Cesarean section. Additionally, |
| stimulates uterine contractions. This herb is also a | | | | it has been reported twice in medical literature |
| uterine tonic; it strengthens the uterine muscle like | | | | that use of Blue Cohosh was linked to heart |
| red raspberry. | | | | problems in a newborn. |
| Blue Cohosh was traditionally used by Native | | | | Like many potent herbs, Blue Cohosh is a |
| American women to ease their labor, because it is | | | | potential poison. Thus, instead of self-care with |
| useful in helping the process of childbirth. The herb | | | | potentially toxic herbs, seek the guidance of an |
| is often indicated if labor is progressing slowly, if | | | | experienced herbalist. Some herbalists are |
| the cervix is undilated and rigid, with feeble | | | | specialized in pregnancy care, while other medical |
| contractions, if the contractions are irregular or if | | | | practitioners could take an even harder line, saying |
| there's weakness of the uterus during labor. | | | | that pregnant women should only use food herbs, |
| Some homeopathic doctors recommend regular | | | | not medicinal herbs. Recommending herbs for |
| consumption of Blue Cohosh daily during the last | | | | medicinal usage during pregnancy should be left to |
| two or three weeks of pregnancy as a way to | | | | qualified herbalists and midwives. |
| strengthen and prepare the woman for childbirth. | | | | Here are some qualifications to look for in an |
| Some other homeopaths feel that one should | | | | herbal practitioner: |
| never routinely consume Blue Cohosh, but that | | | | Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, licensed |
| each woman must be individually treated. | | | | naturopathic doctor (N.D.) or an herbalist approved |
| Blue Cohosh is among the medicinal herbs most | | | | through the peer-review process of the American |
| frequently used by nurse-midwives to induce labor | | | | Herbalist Guild (AHG). |
| and is taken orally either as a liquid or capsule. | | | | Professional associations: American Herb |
| Drawbacks include false labor, uncomfortable | | | | Association, P.O. Box 1673, Nevada City, CA |
| toning contractions, and a drop in blood pressure. | | | | 95959; American Herbalist Guild, 3051 Brown Lane, |
| Because Blue Cohosh could induce labor, it should | | | | Soquel, CA 95073; American Association of |
| never be taken in early pregnancy in any case | | | | Naturopathic Physicians, 2366 Eastlake Avenue, |
| because of the possibility that it might induce a | | | | Suite 322, Seattle, WA 98102. |
| miscarriage. | | | | |