Blue Cohosh
Botanical name
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Common Names
Squaw root, papoose root, blueberry root
FAMILY
Berberidaceae
Description
A medium sized plant that produces blue berries.
Part supplied
The chopped root.
Food Use
Recipes
Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of boiling water to make a tasty tea. Infuse for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or lemon to taste.
Alternatively add half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of tincture to a cup of warm water for a quick alternative to tea.
The herb can be added as a flavouring to gin, vodka and other infusions.
Medicinal Use
Used primarily for women- aiding child birth and issues related to menstruation.
Key actions: Emmenagogue, oxytocic, spasmolytic, ovarian and uterine tonic.
In clinic: Herbalists use this herb to treat rheumatic pain. Used to treat a wide range of female issues too- dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), amenorrhoea (unusually absent menstruation), false labour pains and possible miscarriage.
If you are interested in the medicinal use of this herb please consult a herbalist. Herbs are generally used at medicinal strength, in blends, prescribed for each unique patient's condition.
Directions
Decoction: About half a teaspoon of herb (0.3 to 1 g) to a cup of cold water, bring to the boil and leave to sit for 15 minutes. Or steep 1 teaspoon bark in cold water overnight. Flavour with lemon, ginger or honey if desired. Drink 3 times a day unless otherwise told by a medical herbalist.
Tincture: Take 3 ml (1:3 in 70% tincture), 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Fluid extract: 1:1 Take 0.5 to 1 ml, 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Dried Herb: Maximum of 3 g per day may be taken as a powder or capsules.
Other Uses
Cosmetic Use
None known.
Other Uses
None known.
Cautions
Contraindications
This herb is considered safe in food amounts. Do not take if you are allergic to this plant or other members of this plant's family (Berberidaceae). Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for young children. If in doubt, please ask us or your medical herbalist.
PREGNANCY
Should not be taken by women hoping to conceive, during early pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. May cause nausea in pregnant women.
Side effects
May cause acid reflux and irritation within the gastrointestinal tract (particularly the mucus membrane) due to saponin content. May be toxic to a foetus.
Plant extracts cause few side effects when taken correctly but if a side effect is experienced please contact us.
Interactions with drugs
None known.
Herbal remedies and supplements can interact with medicines. If you are taking medication please check with your medical practitioner, or call us, before taking herbs, supplements and medication together.
More Information
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Recipes
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