- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 280
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Herb · North America
Blue cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, stimulates the uterus, diuretic, antirheumatic.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not early in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not early in pregnancy.
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Not in pregnancy: can bring on contractions and harm the foetus.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
The English nickname papoose root refers to its use by indigenous women in the last weeks of pregnancy to ease childbirth. Eclectic physicians adopted it for labour and menstrual complaints. Today its use in pregnancy is discouraged: serious heart problems in newborns have been reported.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Tonic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, stimulates the uterus, diuretic, antirheumatic.
Preparation and amount
Rhizome.
Caution: Not early in pregnancy.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
As a tonic and for gallstones.
Preparation and amount
Mash the root and pour hot water over it.
Caution: Not in pregnancy: can bring on contractions and harm the foetus.