Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium) has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and 19th-century American eclectic practitioners, for various gynecological concerns, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Historical texts often refer to blackhaw as a uterine tonic and antispasmodic, believed to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate uterine cramps. Its use for amenorrhea was based on empirical traditions rather than systematic scientific study, with practitioners claiming that it could stimulate uterine function and restore suppressed menses, especially when emotional or stress-related factors were suspected causes.

However, there is a lack of modern clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies to substantiate these traditional uses. Some phytochemical analyses have identified constituents such as viburnin, salicin, and various tannins, which may possess mild antispasmodic or muscle relaxant effects, but these have not been directly linked to efficacy in treating amenorrhea. Major authoritative sources, including the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, note the absence of reliable scientific evidence supporting blackhaw’s effectiveness for this indication. Thus, while the use of blackhaw for amenorrhea is rooted in tradition, it is not validated by modern scientific research.