Blue cohosh
Generic name: blue cohosh [ BLEW-KOE-hawsh ]
Drug class:Herbal products
What is blue cohosh?
Blue cohosh is a plant also known as Actée à Grappes Bleu, Blue Ginseng, Caulophylle, Caulophyllum, Cohosh Azul, Cohosh Bleu, Graines à Chapelet, Léontice Faux-Pigamon, Papoose Root, Squaw Root, or Yellow Ginseng.
Blue cohosh has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in stimulating the uterus in pregnant women to induce labor, or in non-pregnant women to cause a menstrual period. However, these uses have not been proven with research and blue cohosh may not be effective when used for these conditions.
Other uses not proven with research have included seizure (convulsions), stomach cramps, constipation, sore throat, hiccups, and other conditions.
It is not certain whether blue cohosh is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Blue cohosh should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Blue cohosh is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be 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 be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
heart disease, angina (chest pain);
diabetes;
a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids; or
past or present cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary.
Blue cohosh is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Some of the chemicals in blue cohosh can cause birth defects. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether blue cohosh passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
