Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Personality:
This plant is a quite extraordinary colour. Its leaves, stems and most of the flower are blue/purple. In spite of its bright and exotic appearance, it likes cool, damp conditions, in temperate woodlands. You will not see this blue colour in the dried
material or liquid preparations, as only the
root is used medicinally, and this has a brownish/yellow appearance.
Sources:
Blue Cohosh is one of the classic North American herbs, which has been very important in the Anglo-American tradition of herbalism. It is therefore reasonably easy to source in Britain, usually as the dried root.
Anecdotes:
Although principally a woman’s herb its specific action on the pelvic area can be felt by men as well. After taking a dose of Blue Cohosh tincture I could detect a distinct sense of warmth and increased circulation in the lower abdomen.
Uses:
Helps to quicken labour, once it has started, without increasing pain. It is used in the treatment of delayed or painful periods. For pain from the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. Can be combined with other herbs to treat: fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease etc’. Please seek professional advice when dealing with serious pelvic conditions.
Actions:
Uterine tonic and stimulant, generally anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic.
Dosage & Preparations:
You can make a decoction of the root by simmering one teaspoon of the dried, chopped root in a cup of water for 10 minutes. This can be taken up to three times per day. Standard adult dose of the tincture is 2ml, three times per day.
Safety:
Do not take during pregnancy until labour commences.