Blue Cohosh Root C/S

Blue cohosh is primarily considered a women’s herb. The bitter woodland plant grows wild in eastern North America, and traditionally Native American tribes used its roots to facilitate childbirth. The active compounds in blue cohosh (notably caulosaponin) stimulate uterine contractions, and the plant is most often used by midwives to induce labor and encourage menstruation. It is also used, less often, for easing arthritic and rheumatic pain.

The name “cohosh” is an Algonquin word that describes the rough texture of the plant — even its roots may irritate skin — and “blue” refers to its vibrant blue, pea-sized seeds. Although they share a name, blue cohosh and black cohosh are not botanically related. Rather, blue cohosh is in the same family as barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape.

Blue cohosh’s “roots” include thick, golden-brown rhizomes covered with a mass of rootlets. The dried roots may be ground into a powder or made into tinctures and decoctions. Blue cohosh should not be used during pregnancy, and only under professional guidance.