Evidence supporting the use of: Blue Cohosh
For the health condition: Labor and Delivery

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has been used traditionally in North American herbal medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples and later by midwives in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to support labor and delivery. It has been referred to as a "parturient" or "uterine tonic," purported to stimulate uterine contractions and facilitate childbirth. Historical records indicate that blue cohosh was sometimes used in conjunction with black cohosh or other herbs to induce or strengthen labor, or to help with menstrual and reproductive complaints.

However, scientific validation of these uses is minimal. A limited number of animal and in vitro studies suggest that some constituents of blue cohosh (notably alkaloids and saponins) may have uterotonic effects, but these are neither robustly studied nor confirmed in well-designed human trials. Additionally, case reports and some research have raised concerns about potential toxicity, including cardiovascular complications in newborns and mothers, as well as teratogenic effects in animal studies.

In summary, while blue cohosh’s use in labor and delivery is justified by tradition and not by rigorous scientific evidence, there are significant safety concerns. Its use is not recommended by modern medical authorities, and the evidence supporting its efficacy is weak (rated 1/5).

More about Blue Cohosh
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Products containing Blue Cohosh

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