Evidence supporting the use of: Motherwort
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)

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Synopsis

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

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Chinese herbalism, for a variety of women’s health concerns, including scanty menstruation. In traditional Western herbal practice, motherwort is considered an “emmenagogue,” meaning it is believed to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus and encourage menstrual bleeding. Historical texts, such as those by Nicholas Culpeper in the 17th century, describe its use for “obstructed menses” and as a general uterine tonic. Similarly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, related species (such as Leonurus japonicus, or yìmǔcǎo) are used to “invigorate blood” and regulate menstruation, addressing conditions like scanty periods or amenorrhea. However, modern scientific studies specifically investigating motherwort’s efficacy for scant menstruation are limited. Most available research has focused on its cardiovascular effects or general uterine relaxation properties, rather than its direct impact on menstrual flow. The traditional rationale is based on its presumed ability to promote circulation and mildly stimulate uterine contractions, which may help address menstrual irregularities, including scanty periods. Overall, while motherwort’s use for scanty menstruation is well-supported by traditional and historical records, scientific validation is lacking, and evidence is rated at a 2 to reflect the absence of robust clinical trials.

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