Cohosh
What is cohosh?
Blue and black cohosh are roots from two separate plants. The medicinal herbs are used for labor induction.
What does cohosh do?
Studies are just beginning to determine how and why these herbs work the way they do. It is known that these herbs can start contractions and should be used with caution during pregnancy as they may induce abortion.
Cohosh is popular among midwives because it is considered a "natural" way to induce labor. Those midwives who choose not to use cohosh refer to the lack of research or their own personal experience with the safety of it.
Some experts express concern that trying to start labor is never "natural," when introducing something different into the mother's diet or daily routine. Most experts agree that induction of labor should only be done if there is concern for the safety of the baby, never for the convenience of the mother or her health care provider.
How do I use cohosh?
There is no standard recognized protocol for using black or blue cohosh. A report in the Journal of Nurse Midwifery from 1999 found that of the midwives in the study who used the herbals, 69% had learned how to use them from other midwives and none had learned them from their formal midwifery training.
Most experts recommend that cohosh only be used with the assistance of a trained health care provider. To find a health care provider in your area, check your phone book for midwives or ask your health care provider to recommend doulas in the area. You may also get assistance from an herbalist, or through an expert at a natural foods store.
Be sure to inform your health care provider of your intention to use cohosh to be sure nothing is recommended that is known to cause adverse reactions.
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