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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking blue cohosh ()?

Do not take blue cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you have stomach or intestinal problems or high blood pressure. Blue cohosh may aggravate these conditions.

Before taking blue cohosh, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any other medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Blue cohosh may not be recommended in some situations.

There is no information available regarding the use of blue cohosh by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take blue cohosh ()?

The use of blue cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take blue cohosh, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of blue cohosh with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of blue cohosh with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of blue cohosh can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of blue cohosh at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of blue cohosh.

Store blue cohosh as directed on the package. In general, blue cohosh should be protected from light and moisture.

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