Blue Cohosh works as an Aphrodisiac for Women by Treating Gynecological Problems

The very mention of aphrodisiacs conjures up mental images of magical herbs and roots which can turn around the most reluctant of lovers or induce earth-shattering orgasms. In reality however aphrodisiacs work in a more mundane manner – either by directly introducing certain chemicals in the body which optimize the functioning of sex organs or by alleviating certain disorders which helps the body to enjoy sex. Blue cohosh is one such herb which has a long history of aphrodisiacal properties, especially for women.

About blue cohosh

This is a perennial plant botanically known as Caulophyllum thalictroides and native to eastern United States. The plant is generally found around streams, marshy areas and other moist places. The plant bears a pea-sized berry on a fleshy stock. In local parlance it is also known by names like blue ginseng, squaw root, beechdrops and papoose root. It is the root of the blue cohosh which is reputed to have a wide range of medicinal properties and hence has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine especially among the Native Americans.

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How blue cohosh works as an aphrodisiac

Blue cohosh root is considered an aphrodisiac for women largely because it contains certain chemicals known to mimic the effect of the sex hormone estrogen, primarily found in the female body.  Lack of or a misbalance in the level of natural estrogens among women are the primary cause of a wide range of gynecological disorders like Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, menopausal disorders and are those related to menstruation. In women suffering from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, the change of hormones which leads to menstruation brings with it a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like water retention, breast tenderness, mood swings and loss of libido. The chemical constituents of blue cohosh, particularly the estrogen-like compounds work to reduce the effect of these annoying symptoms and hence prepare both the body and mind for pleasure in sex.

Besides containing hormone like substances, blue cohosh is also a rich source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, silicon and phosphorus – all of which are important for the female reproductive health. An active ingredient has been isolated from the herb called caulosaponin, a chemical that has been shown to increase blood flow to the uterus and thus help to combat a range of uterine infections and disorders.

The same action of the blue cohosh also helps a woman combat many of the undesirable symptoms of menopause. This is a time when a woman’s body prepares for the cessation of menstruation and the consequent lack of hormones like estrogen can have an adverse effect on a woman’s moods, her sex drive and her body weight. It can give rise to hot flashes, night sweats and feelings of restlessness. In such a situation taking supplements with extracts of blue cohosh root can help a woman to fight these symptoms and improve her gynecological health. And when she feels great in mind and body, she is bound to have more energy and interest in sex.

In folk medicine, Blue cohosh has been used to treat menstrual disorders for hundreds of years. It is supposed to be effective in fighting infections of the uterus as well as menstrual problems like painful cramps, spotting and abnormal bleeding. The anti-spasmodic properties of blue cohosh may be the reason why it is used in treatment of painful periods or menstrual cramps. In fact according to some sources, blue cohosh was used as a folk remedy for inducing early periods or delaying periods. There are even anecdotes of blue cohosh being used to initiate labor, ease false labor pains and being taken to bring about quick and painless labor. These may owe to the fact that blue cohosh is known to contain an oxytocin-like compound as well as caulosaponin, both of which are responsible for inducing uterine contractions.
Other than being used to regulate menstruation, the anti-spasmodic effect of blue cohosh also makes it a valuable treatment for colic, asthma and nervous coughs. The root has anti-rheumatic properties too and has been known to provide relief in rheumatic pains

Using blue cohosh

An extract is obtained from the root of the blue cohosh plant which is then consumed in the form of capsules, powders or liquid tinctures. The usual dosage is or 5 to 15 drops twice daily when taking as a liquid extract or 3 to 9 grams in powdered form of its dried root. In traditional medicine of the Native Americans a tea is made from blue cohosh root which is used by pregnant women to ease labor pains or to induce quick and painless delivery. However, if taken in the form of a decoction, it is best to be advised by a trained herbal practitioner on the dosage.

How safe is the use of blue cohosh

Since the herb is known to have an effect on the hormones, it is not recommended for expectant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because use of the herb may lead to miscarriage or loss of pregnancy. According to some sources, blue cohosh has been traditionally used with other herbs like black cohosh or pennyroyal for inducing abortion. But considering the numerous health hazards related to unscientific ways of forcing an abortion, one must never try it. Moreover herbal abortions are rarely successful and the risks attendant are not worth the attempt.

A study of the toxicity of aphrodisiacal substances carried out by Lewis R Goldfrank found that blue cohosh contains methylcytosine which causes toxicities similar to nicotine. In other words, unsupervised of excessive use of blue cohosh may lead to conditions like nausea, vomiting, muscle paralysis, seizures, tachycardia and hypotension. Blue cohosh is not recommended for use in children. Used externally, the herb may cause dermatitis or irritate the mucous membranes. Moreover the herb should not be used by people with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Used for hundreds of years in traditional Native American medicine, blue cohosh root is one of the best known natural remedies for gynecological problems. The fact that it alleviates many disorders of the female reproductive system makes the herb an important tool in promoting sexual health and general well being among women.