Induction of Labor with Homeopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Homeopathic preparations of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and black cohosh (Actaea racemosa [formerly Cimicifuga racemosa]) have been used around the world for induction and augmentation of labor. There are few clinical studies examining these preparations, and the evidence for their safety and efficacy is largely anecdotal. More research needs to be done to determine whether homeopathy is a potentially viable alternative to oxytocin and prostaglandins for labor induction.

Complementary and alternative medicine for induction of labour

“…34,40 Many CAM therapies are recommended on the basis of traditional knowledge and empirical wisdom and do not have evidence from clinical trials to support their use. Although the randomised clinical trial has been elevated to the gold standard in research, evidence based practice is broader than this; it encourages the use of the best available evidence, the woman's preference and the clinician's expertise.…”

“…Homeopathic remedies have a long history of use for stimulating labour, particularly in Europe and India. 34 A Cochrane review by Smith 35 assessed two randomised controlled trials 36,37 involving a total of 133 women to determine the effects of homeopathy for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour. The first study, conducted in France, examined the use of a combination of homeopathic Caulophyllum, Actea racemosa, Arnica, Pulsatilla and Gelsemium.…”

An Investigation into the Use of an Herbal Labor Induction Tincture Containing Black Cohosh, Cramp Bark, Partridgeberry, and Motherwort on Contractile Responses Produced from Isolated Strips of Mouse Uterine Tissues

“…This would seem consistent with information gleaned from reviews of the literature, herbal handbooks, and reports of traditional use. For example, black cohosh is stated to help the uterus contract in a coordinated and effective way, 29,30,32 and was used by 28% of Certified Nurse-Midwives/ Certified Midwives and 66% of Licenced Midwives who reported using herbs in their practice in a survey of California midwives (N = 139) in the United States. 12 In like manner, the use of partridgeberry is considered as safe during labor; it is considered to tone and strengthen the uterus, resulting in more uniform uterine contractions.…”

Severe Hyponatremia Associated with Use of Black Cohosh during Prolonged Labor and Unsuccessful Home Birth

“… 1 2 Black cohosh, a homeopathic remedy traditionally used by Native Americans for a variety of gynecologic ailments, including menopausal symptoms and dysmenorrhea, is recommended by some midwives as an alternative to prostaglandins and oxytocin for inducing and augmenting labor. 3 It is sometimes combined with other herbs such as squaw vine ( Mitchella ripens ), raspberry ( Rubus idaeus ), blue cohosh ( Caulophyllum thalictroides ), and false unicorn ( Chamaelirium luteum ) in a preparation known as “mother's cordial,” which is thought to facilitate delivery by improving uterine tone. Although many advise caution during pregnancy due to limited data, 4 one survey of certified nurse–midwives suggests that approximately half of them use herbal preparations to stimulate labor, and among them, 45% use black cohosh.…”