What is blue cohosh?
The use of blue cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Blue cohosh is also known as Caulophyllum thalictroides, blue ginseng, papoose root, yellow
ginseng, blueberry root, and beech drops.
Blue cohosh has been used to stimulate menstrual flow, to induce labor, and for rheumatism,
cramps, and epilepsy.
Blue cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of blue cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Blue cohosh may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking blue cohosh?
Do not take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you
have stomach or intestinal problems or high blood pressure. Blue cohosh may aggravate these
conditions.
Before taking blue cohosh, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any other medical condition, or if you take other medicines or
other herbal/health supplements. Blue cohosh may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether blue cohosh will
harm an unborn baby. Blue cohosh may affect the menstrual cycle and may cause uterine contractions
that could result in miscarriage or premature labor.
Do not
take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether blue cohosh will harm a
nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of blue cohosh by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take blue cohosh?
The use of blue cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take blue cohosh, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of blue cohosh with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of blue cohosh with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of blue cohosh can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of blue cohosh at
the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of blue cohosh.
Store blue cohosh as directed on the package. In general, blue cohosh should be protected
from light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of blue cohosh?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of blue cohosh. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about blue cohosh?
Your pharmacist has information about blue cohosh written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of blue cohosh?
Although rare, allergic reactions to blue cohosh may occur. Stop taking blue cohosh and
seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Irritation of the skin and mucous membranes has been reported following contact with blue
cohosh powder.
Other side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about blue cohosh?
Do not take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you
have stomach or intestinal problems or high blood pressure. Blue cohosh may aggravate these
conditions.
Do not
take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health
care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether blue cohosh will
harm an unborn baby. Blue cohosh may affect the menstrual cycle and may cause uterine contractions
that could result in miscarriage or premature labor.
Blue cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of blue cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking blue cohosh?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking blue cohosh, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect blue cohosh?
Interactions between blue cohosh and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking blue cohosh if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of blue cohosh?
