My midwife introduced me to blue cohosh during my first pregnancy. Traditionally, blue cohosh was used by Native Americans to induce labor. They would drink the tea for several weeks before childbirth to make the birth process swift and easy. North American doctors in the Electic or Physiomedical herbal tradition used blue cohosh to counter restlessness and pain during pregnancy and to reduce labor pains.[2] When used in conjunction with black cohosh, this herb tends to increase mild uterine contractions similar to Braxton-Hicks contractions, strengthening the uterine muscles in preparation for birth. However, due to the increased contractions, it should not be used until the ninth month of pregnancy.

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