Herbs Guide

Blue Cohosh

Family Name: Berberidaceae

Botanical Name(s): Caulophyllum thalictroides

Popular Name(s): Pappoose Root, Squawroot, Blueberry Root

Parts Used: Root

Habitat: Blue Cohosh is found in the United States and Canada

Description: Blue Cohosh is a perennial plant which grows up to a height of 2 1/2 feet and has three-lobed leaves. The plant bears a panicle of small yellowish green flowers and one or two seeds about the size of a large pea. The root of the plant grows to a size of several inches long and possesses long slender radicles which are up to 8 inches long.

Uses: Blue Cohosh is antispasmodic, diuretic, diaphoretic and anthelmintic in nature. It is used to cure rheumatism, dropsy, epilepsy, hysteria and uterine inflammation, especially chronic cases.