Medicinal Monday - Beautiful Blue Cohosh

This attractive wildflower with its beautiful blue fruit that grows above its leaves has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries by many Native American communities to treat a range of ailments. The name of this plant, Cohosh is from the Algonquin word meaning rough and it refers to the appearance of the roots, that were used to make medicine.

About Blue Cohosh

The scientific name of this plant is Caulophyllum thalictroides. It is native to eastern and central North America, including Connecticut. Blue Cohosh is not related to black cohosh, although both are used to treat women's health issues. This rhizomatous perennial plant has attractive, lacey foliage, blue-green leaves that are dived into three leaflets, and ornamental berries that are deep blue in color. The stems and leaves have a purplish tinge when they first emerge in the spring. The star-shaped flowers bloom above the foliage in late spring and are yellow in color. The petals have nectar glands that attract bees. The flowers are followed by erect clusters of showy bright blue berries that turn to seed. This plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and grows in colonies. It prefers rich soil and part or full shade.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Native Americans use blue cohosh flowers to induce labor and menstruation. It is considered a uterine tonic. It is also used to ease painful menstrual cycles. It contains phytochemical calulopsponin which actively stimulates uterine contractions. Native Americans also used various preparations of the root to treat toothaches, indigestion, stomach cramps, hysterics, and gallstones. Specifically, the Cherokee made a syrup from the roots and gave it to treat fits and hysterics, they also used a decoction of the root to treat rheumatism. The leaves were rubbed on the skin to treat poison oak and it was taken for colic and nerves. The Chippewa, Potawatomi, and Ojibwa made a compound of the root and used it as an analgesic to treat cramps and indigestion. They also used an infusion of the scraped root to treat lung trouble. The Iroquois used a compound decoction to treat rheumatism and fever. They also used an infusion of smashed roots to induce vomiting for gallstones. The Menominee and the Meskwaki made a decoction to suppress menstruation and the Mohegans used the roots to treat rare kidney disorders. The Omaha and Ponca used a decoction of the roots to treat a fever.

Did You Know...

Common names for this plant include Pappoose Root, Blue ginseng, yellow ginseng, Squawroot, and Blueberry Root.

The seeds of this plant have been used as a substitute for coffee, but may be toxic!

In the early 20th century doctors used blue cohosh to treat kidney infections and arthritis.

Raw berries, roots, and leaves may cause skin irritation if touched.

Berries may be poisonous if ingested by children.

The foliage of this plant looks like meadow rues.