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Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
Emmenagogues are herbs or foods that stimulate menstruation in cases of:
Scanty or delayed menstruation,
Menstrual pain and/or
Insufficient blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
Use them in cases of menstrual retention to restore regular, healthy monthly menses when there are symptoms of:
Women tend towards an excess of blood, while men tend towards an excess of energy.
Healthy menstruation clears this excess, which reduces heat, irritability, water retention, and malaise, leaving women feeling refreshed and grounded.
Menstruation is not specifically a detoxification process like urine, feces or sweat. Instead, it clears toxins and substances alike. Therefore it is more properly a draining process rather than detoxification (Source: Holmes).
Emmenagogue Contraindications
It is a serious error for a clinician to force menstruation in cases of blood deficiency.
Emmenagogues are also contraindicated in pregnancy as they have an abortive effect.
Click here to review the basics of reproductive health.
Causes of a Long Absent Menstrual Cycle (Pathogenesis)
Amenorrhea, light periods, or long menstrual cycles have the following main causes:
Poor Liver Function
The liver plays a large role in healthy menstruation. A poorly functioning liver will be unable to clear hormones efficiently, delaying menstruation.
Suppressed Uterus Function Due to Reproductive Hormones
The following reproductive hormones suppress uterine function:
Pregnancy or pregnancy hormones such as progesterone
General deficiency from too much exercise, or weight loss.
Blood deficiency (anemia)
Estrogen deficiency (menopause, stopping birth control pills)
Do not use emmenagogues to encourage menstruation in deficiency conditions. Instead, use nutritives, restorative diets, lifestyle and herbs. Example nutritive herbs for reproductive organs include shatavari, damiana, and saw palmetto.
Stress / Tension (Vata)
As the uterus is a muscle, stress can disrupt its smooth, natural contractions and restrict release of menstrual blood. Travel and emotional shock can also disrupt regular contractions during menstruation, which also disrupts the natural flow of blood from the uterus.
In these cases clear toxicity, and use muscle relaxants that are not progesterone based.
Uterine Cold (Kapha or Vata)
Uterine cold refers to conditions of poor circulation and blood flow to the uterus. Use warming or vasodilator herbs that stimulate blood flow, especially those that have an affinity for the reproductive tract. Example: cinnamon, hing, rosemary, ginger, guggulu, frankincense.
Excess / Congestion / Stagnation (Kapha)
Congestion and stagnation in the pelvic area can interfere with healthy menstruation. Some causes include:
Other abdominal obstruction such as constipation and abdominal obesity
Turmeric stimulates the liver and invigorates the blood. Cholagogues such as bhumyamalaki are particularly useful to decongest (thin) the blood plasma, while having a mild laxative effect that clears the abdomen.
Notes on Treatment
Take appropriate herbs daily until flow arrives. Visit our article on amenorrhea and scroll down for a list of possible herbs.
Delayed menstruation - Take one week before onset is due
Scanty menstruation - Take 3-4 days before onset is due until flow arrives.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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