Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Beechdrops Blue Cohosh Blue Ginseng Papoose Root Squaw Root Yellow Ginseng Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Research Constituents How much to take

One of the oldest indigenous American plant medications is blue cohosh, otherwise known as papoose root or squaw root. Blue cohosh consists of the underground parts (roots and rhizomes) of Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx., a perennial herb, purple when young, that has a smooth stem, one to three feet in height, terminated by a panicle of yellowish green flowers. The mature plant is a peculiar bluish green color and bears dark blue fruits-hence, the name, blue cohosh. Blue cohosh is a member of the family Berberidaceae.

The genus Caulophyllum contains five species, two from eastern North America [C. thalictroides and C. giganteum (Farw.) Loconte & Blackwell] and three from northeast Asia.The rhizome of Asian species, C. robustum Maxim., has been used as a folk medicine to treat menstrual disorders.

Blue cohosh was introduced into medicine in 1813 by Peter Smith, an "Indian herb doctor." Blue cohosh was said to be employed by the Indians for rheumatism, dropsy, colic, sore throat, cramp, hiccough, epilepsy, hysterics, inflammation of the uterus, etc. Subsequently, it gained a reputation as an antispasmodic, emmenagogue (menstrual flow stimulant), and parturifacient (inducer of labor), as well as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant. Modern herbals still recommend blue cohosh for various female conditions, especially as a uterine stimulant, inducer of menstruation, and antispasmodic.

Blue cohosh contains a number of alkaloids and glycosides, of which the alkaloid methylcytisine and the glycoside caulosaponin seem to contribute most of the physiological activity. Animal experiments have shown that the actions of methylcytisine resemble those of nicotine. The compound elevates blood pressure and stimulates both respiration and intestinal motility. It is only about 1/40 as toxic as nicotine. Blue cohosh's oxytocic (hastening childbirth) effects are apparently produced by the glycoside caulosaponin, a derivative of the triterpenoid saponin hederagenin. Caulosaponin constricts the coronary blood vessels, thus exerting a toxic effect on cardiac muscle, and causes intestinal spasms in small animals.

In view of the presence of such relatively potent principles in the medication, blue cohosh cannot be dismissed as either inactive or harmless. The case for, or against, using it as self-medication, particularly to stimulate uterine contractions or to induce menstruation, probably rests on the advisability of using any self-selected medication for such purposes. The safety of such treatment is by no means certain. .

The knotty, branching rhizome and roots of this native American plant were sought out by many Indian tribes. They harvested the underground parts in late fall and ground them into a powder, which they used as a remedy for rheumatism, colic, bronchitis, and menstrual cramps. But they especially prized blue cohosh as a parturient (an aid in childbirth). For a week or two before the expected date of delivery, pregnant women drank an infusion of the powdered roots in warm water to induce rapid and relatively painless labor. (It was not taken earlier in pregnancy, because it might have brought on a miscarriage.) Early settlers also used the roots as a parturient and dubbed the plant squawroot and papoose root.

The herbalists who gathered and prepared blue cohosh learned to treat it with caution, because they found that blue cohosh tends to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, especially when it is powdered.

Like raspberry leaves and black cohosh, blue cohosh has both stimulating and relaxing properties which facilitate childbirth. Blue cohosh produces contractions which are regular and effective, interspersed with a good relaxation period.

Its tonic properties improve sluggish labor pains and are most helpful when delay in childbirth is due to weakness, fatigue or lack of uterine power. Similarly, the relaxant effects of this plant prove useful when tension produces uterine irritability, with spasmodic pains, false labor pains and over-strong Braxton-Hicks contractions. Blue cohosh was a favorite remedy amongst Native American women for false pains and after-pains. They drank the tea regularly a few weeks before the birth was due, as a partus preparator, to ease and speed labor. Blue cohosh is used particularly to relax women in childbirth and ease the pain, but also to soothe restlessness, tension and pain during pregnancy. The antispasmodic action helps ensure that the uterus holds the growing baby, and so it prevents premature delivery. Its antispasmodic properties are also used for stomach and menstrual cramps. Blue cohosh has a good reputation for helping to prevent miscarriage, particularly when used with black haw or cramp bark. The plant acts as a relaxant and tonic to the nervous system.

Blue cohosh may be taken alone or in conjunction with other partus preparators, for a few weeks prior to the birth, three times daily. Note - never use in early pregnancy.

PARTS USED

Root and rhizome.

USES

Traditional woman's herb - "Cohosh" is an Algonquin name, and blue cohosh was a popular medicinal herb with a large number of Native American tribes. Blue cohosh was primarily considered a "woman's herb" helping to improve contractions during labor, rectify delayed or irregular menstruation, and alleviate heavy bleeding and pain during menstruation.
Other traditional uses - The root was taken by Native Americans as a contraceptive and was used by both sexes to treat genitourinary conditions.
Modem remedy - The European settlers in North America learned of blue cohosh's value from Native peoples, and the herb was included in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States until 1905. Current medicinal uses of blue cohosh are not radically different from its traditional uses. Blue cohosh is still considered an herb that is particularly suited to women and is chiefly employed as a uterine tonic, bringing relief from uterine and ovarian pain and helping to improve menstrual blood flow. Blue cohosh should not be taken during pregnancy since it is a uterine stimulant, but it is useful during labor.
Anti-inflammatory - Blue cohosh can reduce inflammation, and is sometimes used in treatments for arthritic and rheumatic condition.
Other medical uses - Homeopathy

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Blue cohosh grows wild in much of eastern North America, from Manitoba to Alabama, and prefers woodland valleys, north facing slopes, and damp banks. Blue cohosh is mainly gathered from the wild, but it can be cultivated, in which case it is propagated from seed sown when ripe or by root division in autumn. The root and rhizome are harvested in autumn.

RESEARCH

Steroidal saponins - A poorly researched plant, blue cohosh deserves further investigation. Its consistent reputation as an herb for facilitating childbirth and for gynecological conditions maybe due in part to the steroidal saponins, which are known to stimulate the uterus.

CONSTITUENTS

Blue cohosh contains:
- Alkaloids (caulophylline, laburnine, rnagnoflorine)
- Steroidal saponins (caulosapogenin)
- Resin .

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Powder: 0.3-1.0 g or by decoction, 3 times daily. Official rhizome and roots produce a therapeutic effect with an average dose of 0.5 g.
Infusion (1:16): 15-30 ml (0.95-1.90 g), every 2-4 hours.
Alcoholic tincture (1:5): 0.6-1.8 ml (120-360 mg), 3 or 4 times daily.
Fluidextract: 1:1 in 60% alcohol, 0.3-0.9 ml (310-920 mg); 1:1 in 70% alcohol, 0.5-1.0 ml, 3 times daily.
CaulophyIlin: 130-260 mg.