Difference Between Black & Blue Cohosh

Black cohosh and blue cohosh are two unrelated plants that each go by a variety of names. Both are used in traditional medicinal systems. They can be found across the eastern part of North America.

Classification

• Blue cohosh's scientific name is Caulophyllum thalictroides. It belongs to the Berberidaceae family.

  Black cohosh's scientific name is Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family.

Features

• Black cohosh is a flowering perennial with large compound leaves. Its flowers are white and grow along part of the cohosh's stem.

  Blue cohosh is a flowering perennial that bears blue, berry-shaped seeds. The colors of its flowers are yellow green or purple. The leaf of the blue cohosh is a compound leaf comprised of three leaflets.

Function

• Black cohosh is traditionally used to ease menstrual pain as well as symptoms of menopause, rheumatism, high cholesterol, hardening arteries and coughs.

  Blue cohosh is traditionally used to treat epilepsy, rheumatism and cramps, and to stimulate menstrual flow. It is also used to induce labor.

Considerations

• Black cohosh may cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, seizures, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, low blood pressure, slowed heartbeat and weight issues.

  Blue cohosh may cause heart problems, hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue, lips, face and throat. Blue cohosh powder may cause mucous membrane and skin irritation.

Environment

• Black cohosh prefers to grow in moist, shaded soil that is well-drained and is neutral or slightly acidic.

  Blue cohosh prefers to grow on hillsides in shaded soil that is always moist and either neutral or slightly acidic.

Significance

• In the U.S., both black and blue cohosh are dietary supplements, but blue cohosh is not as widely sold as black cohosh.