Evidence supporting the use of: Blue Cohosh
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) has a long history of use in North American indigenous and Western herbal traditions, particularly for women’s reproductive health. Its use to support or treat scant menstruation (oligomenorrhea) is primarily based on traditional herbal medicine rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, blue cohosh was referred to as a "female tonic" and "emmenagogue," meaning it was believed to stimulate menstrual flow. Early American herbalists and midwives used blue cohosh root preparations to help initiate delayed or scanty menstruation, as well as to aid in childbirth and address other menstrual irregularities.

These traditional uses likely stem from the plant’s content of alkaloids (such as methylcysteine) and saponins, which are thought to have mild uterine-stimulating effects. However, there is little to no high-quality clinical evidence supporting its efficacy or safety for treating scant menstruation. Most modern sources and herbal monographs cite traditional use rather than controlled trials. Some laboratory studies indicate that blue cohosh extracts may have mild uterine stimulant activity, but these findings have not been translated into clinical practice guidelines or validated by large-scale human studies.

In summary, the use of blue cohosh for scant menstruation is justified by tradition rather than scientific validation, and evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak (rated 2/5, based primarily on historical use and limited pharmacological rationale).

More about Blue Cohosh
More about Menstruation (scant)

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