The use of Caulophyllum, or blue cohosh, during pregnancy is a controversial topic. While it has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a birthing herb, there are concerns about its safety during pregnancy and lactation. Blue cohosh contains vasoactive glycosides and quinolizidine alkaloids that can produce toxic effects on the myocardium in animals. Some sources advise pregnant women to take Caulophyllum during the last weeks or months before delivery to prepare for an easy labour, while others warn that it should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a medical professional. There are reports of adverse effects in infants born to mothers who consumed blue cohosh, including perinatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The evidence for the safety and efficacy of Caulophyllum in pregnancy is largely anecdotal, and further rigorous evaluations are needed.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Common Name | Blue cohosh, squaw root, papoose root |
Scientific Name | Caulophyllum thalictroides |
Use | To establish contractions in labour, act on uterine muscle, ease childbirth, treat uterine inflammation, treat menstrual difficulties, induce uterine contractions, regulate menstrual cycle, treat women's diseases, act as an antispasmodic |
Form | Roots and rhizomes |
Traditional Use | Native Americans use it as a birthing herb |
Safety Concerns | May cause perinatal stroke, acute myocardial infarction, profound congestive heart failure, shock, severe multi-organ hypoxic injury, and abortion. Contains vasoactive glycosides and quinolizidine alkaloids that produce toxic effects on the myocardium in animals. |
Dosage | 30c potency, 3 times daily for up to 2 days, and then repeat 3-7 days later if labour hasn't begun |
What You'll Learn
- Caulophyllum is a homeopathic remedy for women in their childbearing years
- It is used to treat certain conditions during pregnancy, labour, and after birth
- It is not recommended for women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone
- It should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under medical supervision
- It is not safe for use during lactation
Caulophyllum is a homeopathic remedy for women in their childbearing years
Caulophyllum: A Homeopathic Remedy for Women in Their Childbearing Years
Caulophyllum, also known as blue cohosh, is a homeopathic remedy that has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a birthing herb. It is particularly beneficial for women in their childbearing years, helping to establish effective contractions during labour and facilitating an easier delivery. Here are some key points about the use of Caulophyllum during pregnancy and childbirth:
- Indications: Caulophyllum is especially useful for women with poor muscle tone, especially in the uterus, and those with a history of gynecological issues or difficult births. It can be taken during the last weeks or months before delivery to prepare for labour and pave the way for a smoother childbirth.
- Dosage and Timing: It is typically recommended to start taking Caulophyllum in the 30th week of pregnancy, at a potency of 30C, three times daily for up to two days. If labour still hasn't begun after a week, the same dosage can be repeated for another 3-7 days.
- Effectiveness: There is some evidence supporting the effectiveness of Caulophyllum in reducing labour duration. A French double-blind trial found that women who took Caulophyllum had shorter labours, averaging around 5 hours compared to 8 hours for those on a placebo. Additionally, an Italian clinical study showed that first-time mothers who took Caulophyllum had a statistically significant reduction in labour duration by 90 minutes.
- Safety: While Caulophyllum can be beneficial when indicated, it should be used with caution. If taken routinely or when not needed, it may cause difficulties in labour and lead to what is known as "proving symptoms". It is important to consult with an experienced herbalist or homeopath before taking Caulophyllum or any other herbal remedies during pregnancy.
- Contraindications: Women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone are generally advised to avoid Caulophyllum unless specifically instructed by a qualified practitioner. Additionally, it is important to note that blue cohosh, the herbal form of Caulophyllum, has been associated with some serious side effects in newborns, including heart attacks and strokes. However, these side effects are not expected with the highly diluted homeopathic preparation.
- Alternative Remedies: For women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone, alternative remedies may be more suitable. Yoga, swimming, and pelvic floor exercises are recommended to prepare for childbirth. Additionally, drinking raspberry leaf tea daily from 36 weeks of pregnancy can help increase uterine tone and improve contraction efficiency.
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It is used to treat certain conditions during pregnancy, labour, and after birth
The homeopathic remedy Caulophyllum, or blue cohosh, has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a birthing herb. It is also known as squaw root or papoose root.
Caulophyllum is used to treat certain conditions during pregnancy, labour, and after birth. In late pregnancy, it can be used to ease Braxton Hicks contractions. During labour, it is used to help with extremely painful, ineffective contractions that do not "work", i.e., the cervix does not dilate. It is also used when labour slows down or stops altogether. After labour, it can be used when the uterus doesn't contract properly and becomes prolapsed, or when the placenta is not expelled easily.
Caulophyllum is also used to prepare women for easier births, particularly sedentary women with poor muscle tone, or those with a history of gynaecological problems or difficult births. It is not recommended for women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone. It is advised that Caulophyllum is only taken under the instruction of an experienced herbalist or homeopath.
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It is not recommended for women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone
Caulophyllum, also known as blue cohosh, is a herb that has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a birthing aid. It is believed to improve the tonicity of the uterus and facilitate an easier delivery. It is also used to treat menstrual difficulties and to induce uterine contractions.
While it can be taken to prepare women for easier births, it is primarily indicated for sedentary women with poor muscle tone or a history of gynecological problems or difficult births. Women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone should avoid taking Caulophyllum unless advised by an experienced herbalist or homeopath.
Safety Concerns
There are safety concerns surrounding the use of Caulophyllum during pregnancy and lactation. It contains vasoactive glycosides and quinolizidine alkaloids that have been found to produce toxic effects on the myocardium in animals. There have been case reports of neonatal complications, including perinatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and severe multi-organ hypoxic injury, in infants born to mothers who took blue cohosh during pregnancy. Additionally, there is in vitro evidence that blue cohosh may have teratogenic, embryotoxic, and oxytoxic effects.
Recommendations for Use
If taken when indicated, Caulophyllum can pave the way for a trouble-free childbirth. However, if it is taken routinely and unnecessarily, it can cause difficulties in labour. It is recommended to be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under the supervision of a medical professional. It should not be available as an over-the-counter product.
Pregnant women considering taking Caulophyllum should consult with a qualified healthcare provider or herbalist to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.
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It should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under medical supervision
Caulophyllum, also known as blue cohosh, is a herb native to the woodlands of the United States that has been traditionally used by Native Americans as a birthing aid. It is believed to improve uterine tone and establish contractions during labour.
While it can be a useful remedy for women in their childbearing years, it should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only under medical supervision.
Safety Concerns
There are safety concerns around the use of blue cohosh during pregnancy, with reports of adverse effects on both mother and baby. These include:
- Fetal and neonatal side effects such as fetal tachycardia, increased meconium, and perinatal stroke.
- Maternal ingestion has been associated with neonatal complications including myocardial infarction, profound congestive heart failure, and severe multi-organ hypoxic injury.
- There is also in vitro evidence that blue cohosh may have teratogenic, embryotoxic, and oxytoxic effects.
- One case study reported that a 24-year-old woman who took blue cohosh to induce labour gave birth to an infant who later had focal motor seizures due to an infarct in the distribution of the left middle cerebral artery. The blue cohosh tablets tested positive for cocaine metabolic benzoylecgonine.
- Blue cohosh contains vasoactive glycosides and quinolizidine alkaloids that produce toxic effects on the myocardium in animals.
Recommendations for Use
Due to these safety concerns, it is recommended that:
- Blue cohosh should only be used under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
- It should not be available as an over-the-counter product.
- Pregnant women who are fit and have healthy muscle tone should avoid taking blue cohosh unless instructed by an experienced herbalist or homeopath.
- It should only be used when indicated, as routine or unnecessary use may cause difficulties in labour.
- Midwives and mothers choosing to use blue cohosh to augment labour should monitor the fetus carefully and discontinue use if any deviations are observed.
While blue cohosh can be a useful remedy for certain conditions during pregnancy and labour, it is important to exercise caution and seek professional advice before taking this or any other herbal supplement during pregnancy.
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It is not safe for use during lactation
The safety of caulophyllum during lactation is unknown. However, given the potential side effects of the herb on newborn babies, it is not safe for use during lactation.
Caulophyllum, also known as blue cohosh, has been used to induce labour and establish contractions during childbirth. It is also used to treat menstrual difficulties and induce uterine contractions. The plant contains vasoactive glycosides and quinolizidine alkaloids, which have been found to produce toxic effects on the myocardium in animals.
There have been reports of newborn babies having heart attacks or strokes after the mother consumed caulophyllum to induce labour. In one case, a 24-year-old woman who took caulophyllum to induce labour gave birth to a healthy baby, but 26 hours later, the infant had focal motor seizures in the right arm due to an infarct in the distribution of the left middle cerebral artery. The infant's urine tested positive for cocaine metabolic benzoylecgonine, the same substance found in the mother's caulophyllum tablets.
While the herb has been used traditionally during pregnancy and labour, its use is controversial. Some sources recommend that caulophyllum should only be used under medical supervision and not be available over the counter. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
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