Evidence supporting the use of: Squaw Vine
For the health condition: Labor and Delivery

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) has a long history of use in North American Indigenous and traditional Western herbal medicine for supporting labor and delivery. Traditional midwives and herbalists have used the plant—often as a tea or tincture—during the last weeks of pregnancy to purportedly tone the uterus, facilitate easier labor, and reduce the risk of complications. The use is primarily based on anecdotal reports, folk traditions, and references in 19th- and early 20th-century herbal texts, such as those by King’s American Dispensatory and eclectic physicians.

However, there is no robust scientific evidence to validate these claims. No well-designed clinical trials or pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Squaw Vine has any measurable effect on the uterus, labor duration, or safety of childbirth. Its active constituents, including saponins and tannins, have not been studied comprehensively for obstetric use. Modern herbal reference guides may mention its use but invariably note the lack of scientific substantiation.

In summary, Squaw Vine’s use in labor and delivery is justified almost entirely by tradition and historical accounts, with minimal to no empirical evidence supporting its efficacy or safety for this purpose. Caution is advised, and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended before considering its use in pregnancy.

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