Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Motherwort
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese Motherwort (Leonurus japonicus, known as "Yi Mu Cao" in traditional Chinese medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian countries for gynecological conditions, especially relating to postpartum care. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts describe its use for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and regulating menstruation. Specifically, it has been used to alleviate afterbirth pain ("afterpains"), which are uterine contractions occurring after childbirth as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. The herb is believed to help clear lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) and relieve pain by promoting uterine involution and expulsion of residual tissue.

Modern pharmacological studies have identified that Chinese Motherwort contains several active compounds, such as leonurine, which may possess uterotonic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some animal studies have indicated that extracts of Leonurus japonicus can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially supporting its traditional use for postpartum recovery. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically examining its efficacy for afterbirth pain are lacking. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or derived from traditional use and small experimental studies, rather than large-scale, high-quality clinical research. Thus, while traditional use is strong and there is some preliminary scientific rationale, the evidence base remains limited.

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