Evidence supporting the use of: Squaw Vine
For the health condition: Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens) has a long history of traditional use among Native American peoples and later by European-American herbalists as a support for pregnancy and childbirth. Traditionally, it was used as a "partus preparator," meaning it was taken in the weeks leading up to labor to prepare the uterus and facilitate childbirth. Herbalists believed it could help tone the uterine muscles, reduce the discomfort of labor, and ease delivery. These uses were primarily based on empirical knowledge and oral tradition rather than systematic clinical observation or research.
Despite its established place in folk medicine and early herbalist texts (including the Eclectic physicians of the 19th century), there is a lack of modern scientific studies or clinical trials to substantiate these claims. No active constituents in squaw vine have been conclusively shown to affect pregnancy outcomes in humans, and safety data is insufficient. Therefore, while its use is well-rooted in tradition, evidence supporting its efficacy is weak by modern standards, and its safety profile in pregnancy has not been rigorously studied.
In summary, squaw vine is used to support pregnancy on the basis of traditional herbal practices, but there is little to no scientific validation for its effectiveness or safety in this context.
More about Squaw Vine
More about Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Other ingredients used for Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
alfalfaalgal oil
asparagus
beet
bovine liver
calcium
chamomile
choline
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fenugreek
folate
ginger
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
quail egg
sardines
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
shepherd's purse
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ashoka
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Beef liver
banana
Bifidobacteria
Bird's nest
Cohosh
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Date
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Other health conditions supported by Squaw Vine
Afterbirth PainAmenorrhea
Cramps (menstrual)
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
Labor and Delivery
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis