Evidence supporting the use of: Pulsatilla
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Pulsatilla, a remedy derived from the plant Pulsatilla pratensis or related species, is primarily used in homeopathy and traditional herbal medicine. Its use for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is based on historical and traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. Homeopathic practitioners recommend Pulsatilla for a range of menstrual complaints, particularly when symptoms include changeability of pain, emotional lability, and a tendency toward weepiness, as described in classical homeopathic materia medica. Traditional herbal medicine in Europe has also cited Pulsatilla for menstrual irregularities.
However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Pulsatilla for dysmenorrhea is extremely limited. There are few, if any, well-conducted randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating Pulsatilla for this condition. Systematic reviews of homeopathic treatments for dysmenorrhea generally conclude that the evidence is insufficient or of low quality, and major pharmacological references do not list Pulsatilla as an evidence-based treatment for menstrual pain. Safety data are also limited, and the herb can be toxic in its fresh form. Thus, while tradition underpins its use, scientific support is lacking, and its evidence level is rated as very low (1 out of 5).
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Pulsatilla
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder (irritable)
Conjunctivitis
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mood Swings
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A