BLUE COHOSH
Glandular System Support

Modern herbalists often recommend Blue Cohosh as an 'emmenagogue' to induce menstruation, and as uterine stimulant and antispasmodic.

It is also frequently employed as a diuretic to eliminate excess fluids, as an expectorant to treat congestion, and as a diaphoretic to eliminate toxins by inducing sweating.

Traditional herbalists will often combine Blue Cohosh and Black Cohosh to effect a more balanced treatment for nerves, and to enhance the herbs antispasmodic effects.

It is combined with other herbs to promote their effects in treating bronchitis, nervous disorders, urinary tract ailments and rheumatism.

Researchers studying Blue Cohosh isolated an alkaloid, methylcytisine, which closely resembles nicotine in its ability to stimulate intestinal activity, raise respiration, and elevate blood pressure.

Blue Cohosh also contains 'caulosaponin', a glycoside which can act as a coronary blood vessel constrictor and is thought responsible for stimulating uterine contractions and inducing childbirth.

Blue Cohosh tea was also found to be a 'parturifacient' that could induce uterine contractions to speed delivery, and was widely used by native Americans and early settlers to treat common maladies such as sore throat, rheumatism, anxiety, bronchitis, and colic.

While generally considered a safe and effective herb, Blue Cohosh should not be used by expectant mothers except during the last month of pregnancy, preferably under the guidance of an experienced herbalists or health care professional.

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