Herbal Supplements to Induce Labor

Labor is induced for several reasons, usually determined by your doctor. Overdue babies are often brought into the world via induced labor. This combination of medicine and technique is used in more than 20 percent of births in the United States, according to BabyCenter.com. Some mothers choose to bring labor on themselves by turning to herbal supplements to jump-start the process.

  1. Blue and Black Cohosh

    • Blue and black cohosh are two unrelated plants that, when combined, make for a labor-inducing tincture, according to Herbs.LoveToKnow.com.

      Blue cohosh, known in Native American circles as papoose root, is a dried root collected in the autumn that can be used as a tincture; it is also available in capsule or tea form. This herb is an antispasmodic that helps relax the uterus and makes birthing easier.

      Black cohosh is a type of buttercup also known as snakeroot. The roots are used in the same fashion as blue cohosh and function in much the same way that estrogen affects the body.

      In combination, these herbs can make a difficult, slow labor move along more quickly, and can get labor started in those who are beyond term.

    Goldenseal

    • Ask a doctor before using goldenseal to induce labor. This herbal supplement, also known as yellow root, is popular for treating skin diseases, ulcers, respiratory tract infections and sometimes cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

      Goldenseal contains barberine, which may cause the uterus to contract. This is why the herbal supplement is considered a labor-inducer. However, taking this herbal supplement earlier in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, according to the NCCAM. Goldenseal may be effective for some people, but is not recommended by traditional physicians because barbarine can transfer to breast milk after birth and cause liver problems for babies who are nursing.

    Castor Oil

    • Drink castor oil and your favorite juice to induce labor safely. This natural method of labor inducement consisting of oil from castor beans has been a widely known labor inducer for years, and it does tend to work. Drinking it is known as taking the "midwife cocktail," according to BirthingNaturally.net.

      Add 2 ounces of castor oil to a glass of orange juice, grape juice or tea. This will make the unpleasant-tasting oil easier to ingest. It's not entirely underrstood how the oil works, but it has a laxative effect that empties the bowels and tends to urge the uterus to empty itself tool. Women taking castor oil as a labor inducer should expect to have diarrhea within a couple of hours of taking the oil and labor to begin immediately after.

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