(P/1'-3')(SH) The stems and leaves of this attractive shade plant have a blue-gray tone. American Indian woman drank an infusion made from the root two weeks before childbirth, usually promoting a less painful delivery. Blue Cohosh is a powerful abortive, so it should be taken under a physicians direction. It has also been used as a demulcent, anti-spasmodic, emmengague and diuretic.