Did You Know This About Blue Cohosh And Labor?

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum) is one of the medicinal herbs of North America. The plant is a perennial woodland herb native to the eastern part of North America. Blue Cohosh is an oxytocic herb, meaning it mimics the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. This herb is also a uterine tonic; it strengthens the uterine muscle like red raspberry.

Blue Cohosh was traditionally used by Native American women to ease their labor, because it is useful in helping the process of childbirth. The herb is often indicated if labor is progressing slowly, if the cervix is undilated and rigid, with feeble contractions, if the contractions are irregular or if there's weakness of the uterus during labor.

Some homeopathic doctors recommend regular consumption of Blue Cohosh daily during the last two or three weeks of pregnancy as a way to strengthen and prepare the woman for childbirth. Some other homeopaths feel that one should never routinely consume Blue Cohosh, but that each woman must be individually treated.

Blue Cohosh is among the medicinal herbs most frequently used by nurse-midwives to induce labor and is taken orally either as a liquid or capsule. Drawbacks include false labor, uncomfortable toning contractions, and a drop in blood pressure. Because Blue Cohosh could induce labor, it should never be taken in early pregnancy in any case because of the possibility that it might induce a miscarriage.

While almost no scientific study of Blue Cohosh has been conducted, side effects reported by midwives include excessively strong tetanic contractions or hyperstimulation of the uterus, which could lead to Cesarean section. Additionally, it has been reported twice in medical literature that use of Blue Cohosh was linked to heart problems in a newborn.

Like many potent herbs, Blue Cohosh is a potential poison. Thus, instead of self-care with potentially toxic herbs, seek the guidance of an experienced herbalist. Some herbalists are specialized in pregnancy care, while other medical practitioners could take an even harder line, saying that pregnant women should only use food herbs, not medicinal herbs. Recommending herbs for medicinal usage during pregnancy should be left to qualified herbalists and midwives.

Here are some qualifications to look for in an herbal practitioner:

Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) or an herbalist approved through the peer-review process of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG).

Professional associations: American Herb Association, P.O. Box 1673, Nevada City, CA 95959; American Herbalist Guild, 3051 Brown Lane, Soquel, CA 95073; American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, 2366 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 322, Seattle, WA 98102.