Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceWomen's health

Blue Cohosh

A North American root used traditionally to induce labour and ease menstrual cramps. There is no controlled clinical evidence that it works, and there are documented cases of severe harm to newborns after maternal use, which makes this one of the few herbs we would actively advise against.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • No controlled evidence for labour induction or cramps Limited evidence

    PubMed contains no randomized or controlled trial of blue cohosh for labour induction, cervical ripening or dysmenorrhoea. Use rests on traditional midwifery practice alone.

  • Documented serious neonatal harm Limited evidence

    A case report in J Pediatr described profound neonatal congestive heart failure attributed to maternal consumption of blue cohosh near term. Case reports are individually weak evidence, but for a plant containing cardiotoxic and nicotinic alkaloids this is a signal that should not be dismissed.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo dose can be recommended. We do not consider this herb suitable for self-administration at any dose.
SafetyContains caulosaponin and N-methylcytisine, which have cardiotoxic and nicotine-like activity. Reported harms include neonatal heart failure, stroke and seizures after maternal use, plus maternal nausea, headache and raised blood pressure. Absolutely avoid in pregnancy and while trying to conceive, and avoid in anyone with cardiac disease, hypertension or glaucoma. Labour induction is a medical procedure and belongs in a supervised setting.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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