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Herbs with Emmenagogue Properties: A Comprehensive Review

By Emilee Wright, Herbalist

Emmenagogue herbs are an incredible natural resource, serving as agents that not only stimulate but also regulate and normalize menstruation in women. These herbs are tonics for the female reproductive system, making them particularly valuable for individuals experiencing irregular periods. Moreover, they can even effectively aid in inducing menstruation for those facing delayed or absent periods. Beyond their role in addressing irregularities, emmenagogue herbs also offer significant benefits in treating other menstrual disorders such as painful periods. Furthermore, they can potentially assist in restoring a normal menstrual cycle after a woman has discontinued the use of birth control. While their functions may bear a resemblance to those of abortifacient herbs, it is important to note that emmenagogue herbs serve primarily to promote healthy menstruation rather than terminate pregnancies.

It is important to note that the use of emmenagogues should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as some herbs may have adverse effects or interact with medications.

1. Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Angelica is widely recognized as a popular emmenagogue herb, cherished for its remarkable ability to stimulate the uterus and encourage menstruation. In addition to its invaluable contribution to promoting menstrual flow and relieving those pesky cramps, it is crucial to exercise prudence when utilizing angelica due to its potential toxicity at high doses. It is highly recommended to adhere to the prescribed dosage of 1-2 grams of dried root each day, while mindful of abstaining from its use during pregnancy or lactation. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4748402/)

2. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal, a powerful emmenagogue herb, has long been revered for its ability to induce menstruation and facilitate uterine contractions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to be well-informed about its toxicity and exercise caution when utilizing it. Ingesting excessive quantities of pennyroyal can lead to severe repercussions such as liver and kidney damage, seizures, and, in the worst-case scenario, fatality. Consequently, it is advised to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage of 1-2 grams of dried pennyroyal per day and avoid its use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665100/)

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a herb that has been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has gained recognition for its emmenagogue properties, which means it can stimulate the uterus and encourage menstruation. This quality has made it a popular choice for alleviating menstrual cramps and discomfort. For more detailed information, you can refer to the research article available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information website.

4. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black Cohosh is a commonly used herb in traditional medicine, and it is known for its emmenagogue properties. The herb is believed to stimulate the uterus and promote menstruation, and it is also used to ease menstrual cramps. However, it is important to note that high doses of black cohosh can be toxic, and it should be used with caution. The recommended dose of black cohosh is 20-40 mg of the standardized extract per day, and it should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6903667/)

5. Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Rue is an herb commonly used for its emmenagogue properties. The plant is believed to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and promote menstruation. However, it is important to use rue with caution, as high doses can be toxic and cause adverse effects. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, rue can cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness at doses as low as 1g/kg body weight. The recommended dose for rue is 1-2 grams of the dried herb per day, but it should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to its potential toxicity. (Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874116310529)

6. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

Dong Quai is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its emmenagogue properties. The herb is believed to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and promote menstruation. However, it is important to note that the safety and efficacy of dong quai have not been established by scientific studies. While there is some evidence to suggest that dong quai may be effective in treating menstrual disorders, more research is needed to confirm its effects. Additionally, the herb may cause adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and it may interact with certain medications. The recommended dose for dong quai is 1-2 grams of dried root per day, but it should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/)

7. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Hibiscus is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its emmenagogue properties. The herb is believed to promote blood circulation and stimulate menstruation. In addition, hibiscus has been shown to have other health benefits such as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that high doses of hibiscus can cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The recommended dose for hibiscus is 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers steeped in hot water for 5-10 minutes, up to three times a day. It is generally considered safe for most people, but it may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using it. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3593772/)

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Herbs With Emmenagogue Properties

Here is a complete list of all of the herbs that I have recorded being used historically as an emmenagogue. The efficacy and safety of each herb vary. Read more about each herb by clicking the hyperlink to its Encyclopedia of Herbs page.

Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis)

Angelica (Angelica officinalis)

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Basil (Ocimum basilcum)

Birthroot (Trillium erectum)

Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis)

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)