Blue Cohosh Root 10:1

History and Uses:
Blue Cohosh is an herb derived from the rhizome and roots of a small North American perennial. It is sometimes called Papoose Root or Squaw Root, reflecting on the use of this herb by Native American women who brewed a bitter tea from Blue Cohosh to relieve menstrual cramps and ease the pains associated with childbirth. Blue Cohosh tea was also found to induce uterine contractions to speed delivery and was widely used by Native Americans and early settlers to treat common maladies, such as sore throat, rheumatism, anxiety, bronchitis and colic. Modern herbalists often recommend Blue Cohosh to induce menstruation and as uterine stimulant and antispasmodic. It is also frequently employed as a diuretic to eliminate excess fluids, as an expectorant to treat congestion and as a diaphoretic to eliminate toxins by inducing sweating. Traditional herbalists will often combine Blue Cohosh and black cohosh to effect a more balanced treatment for nerves, and to enhance the herbs antispasmodic effects. It is combined with other herbs to promote their effects in treating bronchitis, nervous disorders, urinary tract ailments and rheumatism. Researchers studying Blue Cohosh isolated an alkaloid, methylcytisine, which closely resembles nicotine in its ability to stimulate intestinal activity, raise respiration and elevate blood pressure.