I'm interested in learning more about blue and black cohosh to induce labor. I've heard that they can have an effect on the baby's heart rate, I'd love to know more.
Thanks!
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) are commonly used to "induce" labor. It can be an effective way to "induce" labor for some women.
Firstly I have a question:
Why are we promoting inducing of labor, herbally or not? After we know our feelings on any type of induction, we can explore different types of induction.
As an induction tool Blue and Black cohosh can be effective is used safely.
The caulosaponin in blue cohosh has potentially toxic effects in humans. The earliest case report of harm from a mother's use of blue cohosh was published in 1998. The infant developed congestive heart failure shortly after birth. This case did not though clearly link Blue Cohosh with the cause of death and other indicators were present. The mother in this case also used excessive amounts of the herbs in tea and pill form. Their are also reports that the mothers toxicology report showed traces of a cocoaine like substance too. So we do not know the real cause of the issue.
1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Black cohosh and blue cohosh are often considered the best combination to have on hand for labor. Black cohosh is not only excellent as a liniment for back labor, it is also used to relieve pain and cramping in the womb. It relieves muscle pain, which is one reason it works so well with blue cohosh, the uterine stimulant.
In more than 40 years of observed use in Germany, black cohosh has shown no serious adverse effects, contraindications or drug interactions. One study did show that 7% of patients who took it experienced transient stomach upset, but not to an extent to prevent the trial from continuing. Studies on the herb's possible mutagenicity, teratogenicity and carcinogenicity have proven negative.
Relevant properties: anti-spasmodic, alterative, nervine, hypotensive. It is high in volatile oils and contains triterpene glycosides, isoflavones and isoferulic acid.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophylum thalictroides)
Blue cohosh can be used at any time during pregnancy that a threat of miscarriage occurs. Similarly, because of its anti-spasmodic action, it will ease false labor pains and dysmenorrhea. Nonetheless, when labor does begin, using blue cohosh just previous to birth will ease delivery. Blue cohosh stimulates uterine contractions and tones the uterus.
Relevant properties: emmenagogic, anti-spasmodic, anti-rheumatic, diuretic. It contains alkaloids and saponins.
Contraindications- Blue Cohosh contains chemicals that may damage the heart and raise blood pressure.
2. Medscape stated "there are no known pathologic conditions for which black cohosh is contraindicated. Until recently, the herb was not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation; according to Newall et al,[1] black cohosh binds to uterine estrogen receptors. However, more recent studies clearly demonstrate that black cohosh does not bind to estrogen receptors and therefore does not have an estrogenic effect."[16]. Even if it were shown to cause fetal anomolies or malformations, using this herb at term should not be a problem, as the fetus is already fully developed. And it has been used by midwives for years with no untoward effects.
http://womenshealth.medscape.com/22047.rhtml
It is essential that we do not look at one or two cases or interaction or reaction as the norm, because it is clearly not, but it is essential that we do not give every client and herbal protocol. It is not okay to suggest to every women and herbal formula for induction or the ability to go into labor at 36 weeks, 38 weeks, etc.. Women know how to give birth. As a species we are made to give birth. Herbs, like drugs can cause interactions. Used properly herbs can be safe and effective treatments.
With all that being said, education yourself, treat every woman as an individual and allow her to make her won choices.
1. Demetria Clark, "What Herbs Are Good for Labor?" in The Birthkit Issue 43 Midwifery Today Publication.
2. Jeremy L. Pettit, Alternative Medicine--Black Cohosh, [Clinician Reviews 10(4):117-118, 121, 2000. (c) 2000 Clinicians Publishing Group and Williams & Wilkins]
Demetria Clark is the Director of
Heart of Herbs Herbal School and Global Director of Birth Arts International.
