| -link"> | | | | day; prepared by steeping herb in 5 oz of boiling water, |
| Blue cohosh is derived from the aerial parts of the | | | | then straining .Liquid extract 0:1 in 70% alcohol): 0.5 to 1 |
| plant, its roots, and its rhizomes. Â Pharmacologic | | | | ml by mouth three times a day.Clinical considerationsIn |
| effects are attributed to several glycosides and | | | | the past blue cohosh has been listed as a drug in the |
| alkaloids, such as caulosaponin and methylcytisine. | | | | USP and the National Formulary; however, because of |
| Caulosaponin is responsible for the herb's oxytocic | | | | serious safety concerns, its use isn't |
| effects and its effects on coronary vasculature as | | | | recommended.The root of this herb can be toxic, and |
| well as its ability to stimulate intestinal contractions. | | | | the danger associated with its use seems to outweigh |
| Methylcytisine produces nicotinic effects; for example, | | | | the reported medicinal benefits.Don't confuse blue |
| it elevates blood pressure and blood glucose level, | | | | cohosh with black cohosh.Monitor patient's blood |
| stimulates respiration, and increases peristalsis. Blue | | | | pressure and blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, uric |
| cohosh is available as capsules, decoction, dried | | | | acid, and protein bound iodine levels. . Monitor patient |
| powder, liquid extract, tablets, tea, and tincture.Benefits | | | | for signs and symptoms of overdose, which resemble |
| And Uses of Blue CohoshBlue cohosh is used to treat | | | | those of nicotine toxicity. If overdose occurs, perform |
| colic, sore throat, cramps, hiccups, epilepsy, urinary tract | | | | gastric lavage or induce vomiting, if needed.Warn |
| infections, inflammation of the uterus, asthma, memory | | | | patient to avoid using blue cohosh during pregnancy, |
| problems, hypertension, muscle spasms, worm | | | | labor, and breast- feeding.Tell patient to remind |
| infestation, anxiety, restlessness and pain during | | | | prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary |
| pregnancy, and labor pains. It's used to stimulate uterine | | | | supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new |
| contractions and induce menstruation, and as an | | | | prescription.Advise patient to consult his health care |
| antispasmodic, antirheumatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, | | | | provider before using an herbal preparation because a |
| and laxative.Blue cohosh may also have some | | | | treatment with proven efficacy may be |
| antimicrobial activity. Low doses of the extract may | | | | available.Research summaryThere is virtually no |
| inhibit ovulation. The roasted seeds of the herb are | | | | credible evidence that blue cohosh is effective for any |
| commonly used as a coffee | | | | of the conditions for which it has been used. Several |
| substitute.AdministrationDried rhizome or root: 0.3 to 1 g | | | | published reports cite cases of serious adverse |
| by mouth three times a day .Tea: 1 cup three times a | | | | effects in infants, apparently caused by blue cohosh. |