Synopsis

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

Wood betony (Stachys officinalis) has a longstanding history of use in traditional Western herbal medicine, particularly in Europe. It was widely regarded as a “cure-all” herb in medieval times and was employed for a variety of ailments, including headaches, anxiety, digestive disturbances, and menstrual complaints. Specifically regarding menstrual irregularity, historical texts and folk herbal traditions sometimes mention wood betony as a mild uterine tonic or as an herb that helps “regulate” or “bring on” menstruation when delayed or scanty. Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th-century English herbalist, referenced its use for uterine and menstrual conditions, reflecting beliefs of the time that it could “cleanse the womb.” However, the available historical references are typically anecdotal and not based on systematic clinical observations. Modern herbal literature occasionally lists wood betony among herbs that may have a gentle effect on the female reproductive system, but contemporary scientific studies validating these traditional claims are lacking. No clinical trials or pharmacological studies have directly examined wood betony’s effects on menstrual cycles or hormone regulation. As such, while its use for menstrual irregularity is justified by tradition, the level of evidence is very low, based mainly on historical usage rather than well-documented efficacy.

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