Emmenagogue

Emmenagogues (Gr. monthly + to lead, leading forth) restore the menstrual function, either by stimulating directly the uterine muscular fiber or indirectly enriching the blood, thus toning up the nervous system:

• Direct - which act locally on the uterus: ergot, rue, tansy, savin, cantharides, myrrh, guaiacum, apiol, hedeoma, cimicifuga, caulophyllum, pulsatilla, potassium permanganate;
• Indirect - which act generally on the system: iron, manganese, quinine, strychnine, aloetic purgatives, tonics, hot hip baths, cod-liver oil.

Emmenagogues are medicines which promote the menstrual discharge [Brown1878; Meyer1932].

A substance that promotes uterine contraction and menstrual flow, perhaps in order to normalize menstrual function. Generally contra-indicated in pregnancy because of anti-implantation potential and abortifacient properties [Sanchez BOTM680].

Used in menopause, contraindicated in pregancy. Use in amenorrhea to get to menses, then balance hormones [Palmer2004].

•  ∧   
  Female Only

•  >   
  California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
•  >   
  Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
•  >   
  Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
•  >   
  Garlic (Allium sativum)
•  >   
  Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
•  >   
  Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
•  >   
  Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
•  >   
  Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

[Brown1878] Oliver Phelps Brown. The Complete Herbalist; or the People Their Own Physicians. Jersey City, NJ (1878). Online Reprint.

[Culbreth1927] David Marvel Reynolds Culbreth. A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology, Seventh Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger (1927). Online Reprint.

[Meyer1932] Joseph Ernest Meyer. The Herbalist and Herb Doctor. Hammond, IN: Indiana Botanic Gardens (1932) Online Reprint.

[Palmer2004] Michelle Palmer class notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

[Sanchez BOTM680] Joann Sanchez. Botanical Medicine 680 notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.