BLUE COHOSH or PAPOOSE ROOT or SQUAW ROOT

(Caulophyllum thalictroides; Leontice thalictroides; BERBERIDACEAE)

Parts used:  Rhizome and roots

Therapeutic action:

Stimulant (diffusive, relaxant), nervine (sedative), antispasmodic, parturient, emmenagogue, tonic, diaphoretic (sudorific), diuretic, anthelmintic, demulcent, anti rheumatic.  Dr. Shook wrote: "This is a very old Indian remedy. They believed it to be the best parturient in nature, and it was the habit of their women to drink the tea several weeks before labor...this exceedingly valuable Herb is well called 'woman's best friend' for the reason that it is much more reliable and far less dangerous in expediting delivery in those cases where labor is slow, very painful, and does not bring about natural delivery. As you well know, these distressing cases are many, and great exhaustion sometimes results from delay, through debility, fatigue, or lack of uterine nervous energy. Blue cohosh in infusion or decoction taken warm will accomplish a particular easy parturition, if given for some hours just previous to the time." It has excellent nervine and antispasmodic properties which make it very useful for various pulmonary, neural, and muscular affections. Blue cohosh contains the following vital mineral elements: potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, salts of potash, calcium, iron and silicon. Many more persons, male and female, will experience healing wonders, as they believe sufficiently to apply its known, yet hidden, powers as a singular remedy or as a capable synergistic combination with other appropriate aids.

Medicinal uses:

Female complaints (Leucorrhea, amenorrhea, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, cramps, vaginitis or vaginal inflammation, uterine subinvolution, deficient labor-pains, spasmodic after-pains, spasmodic pains in the uterus or other sympathetic organs at any time), fits, colic, spasms, hysteria, rheumatism, ague, epilepsy, worms, colds, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, dropsy, palpitation of the heart, high blood pressure, diabetes, hiccough, whooping cough, spasmodic asthma, puerperal convulsions, nervous affections.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, solid extract, tincture.