Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American and early North American settlers, to support the female reproductive system. Traditionally, it has been used as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow), to ease menstrual cramps, and to assist with labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Blue Cohosh root preparations were commonly given to women in the weeks leading up to childbirth to help "prepare" the uterus and facilitate labor, earning it the reputation of a "parturient" herb.

However, scientific evidence validating these uses is limited and of low quality. Most modern clinical studies are lacking, and the available research is based primarily on animal studies or in vitro models. These studies indicate that Blue Cohosh contains several active compounds, such as alkaloids (including methylcytisine), saponins, and caulosaponin, which may have uterine stimulant effects. Despite this, the safety profile of Blue Cohosh is concerning; case reports have linked its use to serious adverse effects, including neonatal heart failure and maternal toxicity, likely due to its alkaloid content.

Because of these risks and the lack of robust scientific validation, Blue Cohosh is not recommended by most medical professionals for use in pregnancy or labor. Its continued use is primarily rooted in tradition rather than in strong scientific evidence.

More about Blue Cohosh
More about Female Reproductive System

Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fo-Ti
Furostanols
formononetin
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Ginsenosides
Goat's rue
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain

Other body systems supported by Blue Cohosh

Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Muscles
Reproductive System
Uterus
Vagina

Products containing Blue Cohosh

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.