Black and Blue cohosh? Alan can you help?

[MrsBexie]

Hey!

I have heard some conflicting info about black and blue cohosh.
Apparently it is good to bring on labour and contractions however I also have been told it is "evil" (lol to the term)and can cause heaps of problems in labour including increasing risk of haemorrahge, heart problems in the baby, problems breastfeeding and can bring on labour regardless of whether the baby is ready or not. I was also told both herbs are used in abortions including late term abortions?

I am just wanting to find out more info before I make any decisions about it, I obviously wouldn't be using it anytime soon if I did decide to, but I am just looking into what I can do to get baby out on her due date...

Any info would be appreciated!

[tinkerbelle]

The midwives at our birth centre told us not to drink raspberry leaf tea until 34 weeks as they had experienced some women who had drank a particular NZ brand that actually put them into labour after 1 cup! Unfortunately, I do not know which NZ brand it was though..

[Alan]

Hi MrsBexie
I do not recommend Blue Cohosh as it has quite a number of possible side effects. And the risk of these side effects are higher than with Black Cohosh.
The more common side effects with Black Cohosh is GI upset. There is also a chance (although small) of PPH. Other problems which are usually associated with long term use include kidney disease. Any of these 2 herbs can cause a number of problems with the baby if taken early in pregnancy but I do not know of any adverse effects on the baby if taken at the end of your pregnancy.

Both of these herbs have been used to induce an abortion. The reason for their use is that they are known to bring on labour.

I only reccomend Black Cohosh to my clients after they have reached 41 weeks

[MrsBexie]

Thanks Alan!
That is helpful! I think I will just stay away from it completely, even if I do go over. Better to be safe.