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Blue Cohosh Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Blue cohosh comes from Caulophyllum thalictroldes, a plant with bright blue seeds that grows in the eastern United States and Canada. Its active Ingredient are extracted from the aerial parts, roots, and rhizomes (underground stems).

Common doses of Blue Cohosh

Blue cohosh comes as:

• dried powder
• tea
• tablets
• tinctures (1 ounce, 2 ounces)
• capsules (500 milligrams).

Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As dried rhizome or root, 0.3 to 1 grams three times daily.
• As liquid extract (1: 1 in 70% alcohol), 0.5 to 1 milliliters three times daily.

Why people use Blue Cohosh herb

• Muscle spasms
• Rheumatism
• Scant menstrual flow
• Seizures
• To include labor

Side effects of Blue Cohosh

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of blue cohosh:

• chest pain
• mucous membrane irritation from contact with the powdered extract
• severe diarrhea
• stomach cramps or upset
• symptoms of high blood pressure, such as headache, blurred vision, or seizures
• symptoms of high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, rapid breathing, and a fast, weak pulse.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use blue cohosh when taking:

• drugs used to lower blood pressure
• drugs used to treat angina (chest pain), such as Adalat, Calan, Cardizem, Inderal, nitroglycerin, Sorbitrate, or Vascor
• nicotine replacement products, such as Nicorette and Nicoderm

Important points to remember

• Don't use blue cohosh if you're pregnant because it may stimulate the uterus.
• Avoid this herb if you have heart disease.

What the research shows

Blue cohosh shows some promise in treating inflammatory diseases and In preventing pregnancy. However, it's potentially toxic and may worsen some conditions. Before experts can recommend it, they must study it thoroughly to assess its risks and benefits.

Other names for Blue Cohosh : -

Other names for blue cohosh include blue ginseng, Caulophyllum, squaw root, pappoose root and yellow ginseng.

Products containing blue cohosh is sold as Blue Cohosh Root.

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