Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Actions: uterine tonic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, sedative
Black cohosh is used for menstrual cramps, delayed menstruation, and menopausal symptoms. The isoflavone formononetin has endocrine activity, binding to estrogen receptors in the rat uterus. Triterpene glycosides (including 27-deoxyactein, the basis for the product Remifemin) are believed to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary system, producing effects on the reproductive and nervous systems, including reduction of LH. Because high levels of LH have been implicated as the cause of hot flashes, this may explain black cohosh's effectiveness in reducing this symptom.
Due to the lack of long-term studies (not because of side effects) the German Commission E recommends that use be limited to six months. Contraindicated in pregnancy except for last 4-6 weeks as a uterine toner. Occasional GI discomfort may occur, and large doses may cause vertigo, headache, nausea, impaired vision, vomiting and impaired circulation.
Dosage
- Capsules: Powdered rhizome - 1-1.5 Gm three times daily
- Standardized extract - 80 mg (containing 2 mg 27-deoxyactein) twice daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml 3-4 times daily
Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Actions: antispasmodic, sedative, hypotensive
Black haw is used for dysmenorrhea, false labor pains, threatened miscarriage, menopause, morning sickness and uterine prolapse. The root bark is reported to contain several uterine relaxants, one of which has been identified as scopoletin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin).
Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use this herb cautiously (contains oxalic acid). Theoretically, people who are allergic to aspirin should not take black haw (contains salicylates).
Dosage
- Capsules: Powdered bark of root, stem or trunk - 1 Gm 3-4 times daily
- Tincture: 5-10 ml three times daily
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Actions: galactagogue, bitter tonic, astringent
Blessed thistle, like it's close relative milk thistle, is highly regarded as a liver tonic. It stimulates blood flow to the mammary glands and increases and enriches the flow of breast milk. Blessed thistle's hemostatic (astringent) properties also reduce the chances of hemorrhage during childbirth. Increases gastric and bile secretions making it useful for appetite loss, dyspepsia and indigestion. May help to relieve colic in nursing infant when taken by mother.
Dosage
- Tincture: 1-2 ml three times daily
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Actions: uterine tonic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, oxytocic
Blue cohosh is used for threatened miscarriage, false labor pains, delayed menstruation. The roots and rhizome contain steroidal saponins that exhibit uterine stimulant activity in isolated rat uterine muscle preparations.
De Smet classifies blue cohosh as an abortifacient. However, eclectic physicians of the early 20th century and practicing midwives of today recommend small amounts of blue cohosh during pregnancy for threatened abortion. It is also used as a parturifacient near term to induce childbirth under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Dosage
- Tincture: 2-5 ml three times daily
Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Actions: hormonal normalizer; stimulates and normalizes pituitary gland function to increase LH and decrease FSH. LH stimulates ovarian secretion of progesterone.
Chaste tree is used for dysmenorrhea, PMS, menopause. Used to help reestablish normal menstruation and ovulation after discontinuation of birth control pills. Comparative clinical studies show extracts to increase or stimulate milk flow; reduces water retention during menstruation; allays effusions in the knee joints associated with premenstrual syndrome. Although generally not recommended for use in pregnancy, chaste tree has been used to prevent miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy with cases of progesterone insufficiency.
Occasional minor skin irritations have been reported. May counteract the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Dosage
- Capsules: 500mg 3 times daily
- Tincture: 1-2 ml three times daily
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
Actions: antispasmodic, sedative
Cramp bark is used for dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps, treating excessive blood loss during menstruation and bleeding associated with menopause.
The dried bark contains the coumarin scopoletin which is an antispasmodic for both smooth muscle spasms in the intestines, lungs, and uterus, and striated muscles in the extremities and back.
Dosage
- Capsules: Powdered bark, 1 Gm 3-4 times daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml 3-4 times daily
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Actions: diuretic, cholagogue, laxative
The primary therapeutic actions of dandelion are believed to be due to the bitter principle taraxacin, various terpenoids, inulin (may act to buffer blood glucose levels, preventing sudden and severe fluctuations), and its excellent nutritional profile. Good source of vitamin A, potassium, iron and magnesium and increases calcium absorption. Dandelion is a safe, effective diureticwhich can be used during pregnancy. Good treatment for indigestion and constipation. Excellent liver tonic.
Dosage
- Capsules: Powdered root or leaves, 1 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 5-10 ml three times daily
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis; also spelled Dang gui, Tang Kwei, Tang kuei and Dong gway)
Actions: emmenagogue, diuretic, sedative, antispasmodic
This Chinese herb has often been called "female ginseng", though both men and women can use it successfully. Dong quai is related to and has similar actions as the American Angelica archangelica.
Dong quai is a popular herb for treating both menstrual and menopausal problems. It contains both coumarins and coumestans - substances that bind to estrogen receptors and help balance hormonal function. It increases blood circulation to the pelvis and improves metabolic function of the reproductive organs.
Dong quai relaxes smooth muscle, relieving cramps. Animal studies also show it can strengthen the uterus and normalize uterine tone. Dong quai can aggravate heavy menses.
Dosage
- Capsules: Powdered root, 1-2 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 5-10 ml three times daily
False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum; aka helonias)
Actions: uterine tonic, emmenagogue, diuretic
False unicorn is used to tone and strengthen the reproductive system. Contains estrogen precursors. Used for amenorrhea, ovarian pain, threatened miscarriage, and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
Dosage
- Tincture: 2-4 ml three times daily
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Actions: carminative, anti-spasmodic, galactagogue
Fennel is used to promote milk production. Fennel seeds contain up to 6% of a volatile oil of which the chief constituent is anethole. The structural resemblance ofanethole to catecholamines (such as dopamine) may have a bearing on the estrogenic activity demonstrated by fennel. Dopamine acts to inhibit the secretion of prolactin, so anethole may influence milk secretion by competing with dopamine at appropriate receptor sites, thereby reducing the inhibition by dopamine of prolactin secretion.
Recent research suggests polymers of anethole, such as dianethole and photoanethole, are active estrogenic compounds. It is thought that this estrogenic activity may also influence increased milk production. Fennel contains significant amounts of calcium and potassium.
Precautions: Estragole (5-10% of the volatile oil) is an alylbenzene with weak hepatocarcinogenic potential. It is a procarcinogen that requires metabolic activation. An extrapolation from published studies on the toxicity of pure estragole would conclude that estragole-containing herbs should present almost no risk when used periodically at low doses. (Estragole also present in French tarragon and basil)
Dosage
- Infusion: crushed seeds, 1-2 teaspoonsful per cup of boiling water three times daily
- Capsules: powdered seeds, 0.5-1 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml three times daily
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Actions: galactagogue, expectorant
Fenugreek is used to promote milk production; has a reputation of stimulating breast development. Fenugreek contains between 0.6-1.7% steroid sapogenins consisting mainly of diosgenin and its isomer yamogenin. It is not known which constituents may be responsible for increased lactation. Fenugreek contains significant amounts of calcium and iron as well as the amino acids lysine and tryptophan.
Dosage
- Capsules: powdered seeds, 500mg three times daily
- Tincture: 1-2 ml three times daily
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Actions: stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic
Ginger stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities. It is an excellent remedy for morning sickness, indigestion and flatulence. In feverish conditions, ginger promotes perspiration which can aid in lowering body temperature.
Dosage
- Infusion: shredded fresh root, 1 teaspoonful per cup boiling water as needed
- Capsules: dried root, 0.5-1 Gm three times daily
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Actions: sedative, hypnotic, bitter tonic for digestion
Hops is safe to use during pregnancy for anxiety, tension and insomnia. Its bitter principles make it a satisfactory treatment for gas, bloating and indigestion.
Dosage
- Capsules: Dried, powdered flowers, 500mg three times daily; 1 - 1.5 Gm at bedtime for sleep
- Tincture: 1-4 ml three times daily; 5-10 ml at bedtime for sleep
Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Actions: astringent, diuretic, anti-inlammatory, vulnerary
Lady's mantle has a long reputation in Europe for "women's complaints." The plant is particularly rich in tannins and flavanoids. There are no clinical trials specifically looking at its use in menorrhagia. It's official use in Germany is for "mild, non-specific diarrhea." It works well for excessive menstrual bleeding when taken in large doses the first day or two of the flow.
Dosage
- Infusion: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoonsful of dried leaves and drink 3-4 times daily.
- Tincture: A 1:3 tincture of the dried leaves, 5 ml four times daily.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Actions: uterine tonic, emmenagogue, sedative, cardiac tonic
Motherwort is used for menopause, amennorhea, false labor pains, heart palpitations (its Latin name means "lion-hearted"). Can lessen the severity, frequency and duration of hot flashes. Recommended to enhance natural fertility due to its sedative properties. May cause heavy menstrual bleeding in some women.
Dosage
- Tincture: 1-4 ml three times daily
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Actions: tonic, diuretic
Nettle is a blood builder for anemic people, especially with iron deficiency or a history of blood loss such as that occurring with menopausal flooding. Nettle is high in iron, selenium, magnesium, potassium, calcium and folic acid. Often added to herbal compounds to increase milk production and because of its nutritional value. Used to stop uterine bleeding, including during pregnancy for spotting or threatened miscarriage. Nettle is a mild diuretic and increases kidney secretion of uric acid making it a useful treatment for gout. Also used to treat hayfever and other allergies.
Dosage
- Infusion: 1 oz nettle leaves per quart of boiling water, infuse overnight, 1-3 cups daily. Also 1-3 teaspoonsful per cup boiling water.
- Tincture: 1-4 ml three times daily
- Capsules: 1-1.5 Gm three times daily
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens; aka squaw vine)
Actions: uterine tonic, emmenagogue, parturifacient
Partridgeberry is used to tone uterine and pelvic muscles for child birth by taking for several weeks prior to delivery, often in conjunction with raspberry leaf; relief of dysmennorhea.
Dosage
- Infusion: dried plant, 1 teaspoonful per cup boiling water three times daily
- Tincture: 1-2 ml three times daily
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Actions: uterine tonic, nutritive tonic
Raspberry leaf has a long tradition of use in pregnancy to strenghten and tone the tissue of the womb, assisting contractions and checking any hemorrhaging during labor. It is usually used as a tonic for several months prior to delivery. Raspberry leaf is also of use in preventing morning sickness. It is a source of calcium and phytosterols.
Dosage
- Infusion: 2 teaspoonsful per cup of boiling water, 1-3 cups daily
- Capsules: 500 mg to 1 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml three times daily
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Actions: phytoestrogen, alterative, antispasmodic
Red clover contains large amounts (1-2.5%) ofisoflavones similar to those occurring in soybeans - biochanin A and formononetin. Formononetin is metabolized to daidzein. These isoflavones have a weak estrogenic effect and can relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. (See discussion of isoflavones under soy.) Red clover has been used as part of a holistic treatment for breast tumors and fibroids, both associated with excess estrogen, because it competes for estrogen receptors allowing the body to come into balance. Red clover is generally regarded as safe to use for promoting fertility as well as for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Dosage
- Infusion: 1-3 teaspoonsful flowering tops per cup of boiling water three times daily
- Tablets: for menopausal symptoms, 500mg containing 40 mg isoflavones daily (Promensil)
- Capsules: dried flowering tops, 1 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 2-6 ml three times daily
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Actions: carminative, spasmolytic, antihydrotic
Sage will relieve gas and bloating. It reduces sweating, especially night sweats associated with menopause. Can be used to decrease production of breast milk. Sage can stimulate the uterine muscles so it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Dosage
- Infusion: Dried leaves, 1-2 teaspoonsful per cup three times daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml three times daily
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)
Actions: astringent, anti-hemorrhagic
Shepherd's purse will decrease abnormal bleeding of menorrhagia ( heavy or prolonged menses), metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods) and post-partum. Also can be useful in treatment of uterine fibroids. One of its constituents is sinigrin (potassium isothiocyanate) which can be hydrolyzed to allyl isothiocyanate which can depress thyroid function. Caution should be used in women with thyroid function problems.
Dosage
- Tincture: extract of the fresh herb, 2-5 ml three to four times daily, up to every hour for excessive bleeding.
- Infusion: Fresh herb, 1-2 teaspoonsful per cup of boiling water three to four times daily, up to every hour for excessive bleeding.
Soy(Glycine max)
Actions: menopause treatment
Soy contains a particular group of flavonoids, called isoflavones, that have very weak estrogenic activity. One of these isoflavones, genistein, has only 1/1000th the activity of estrogen. Researchers believe that genistein competes directly against estrogen for cell receptors and can block the action of estrogen which can exacerbate some breast cancers. Soy isoflavones are also used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that women who regularly eat soy foods (especially in Japan) have few hot flashes and less vaginal dryness and irritation because of increased cell growth in the vaginal linings. James Duke believes that soybeans and other legumes would strengthen bones and prevent heart disease almost as well as estrogen replacement.
Vegetarian and Japanese women have a lower incidence of osteoporosis and fractures than Western or meat-eating women. The reason, according to James Anderson, M.D., of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, appears to be that Western-diet meat-eaters excrete more calcium in their urine. Soybeans and other legumes are a good source of protein, but they cause less calcium loss in the urine than meat.
Dosage
- Dietary: Add 2 oz or more of soybeans, other legumes (including pinto, black turtle, lima, red kidney and mung beans and yellow split peas and lentils) or bean sprouts to daily diet.
- Tablets: 1-1.5 Gm soy extract containing up to 50 mg isoflavones daily
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Actions: antispasmodic, antiinflammatory
Wild yam is used for dysmennorhea, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis. Diosgenin extracted from wild yam is used as substrate for manufacture of "natural" progesterone. There is no evidence this transformation takes place in vivo. May be useful topically in ointment or gel for dryness of post-menopausal vaginal tissues.
Dosage
- Capsules: powdered rhizome, 0.5-1 Gm three times daily
- Tincture: 2-4 ml three times daily
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