Using Herbs for
Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the medical term for the loss of periods in women who should be having regular periods--is a sign that something in the body has gone wrong. Causes can be stress, anorexia, physical or emotional shock, and disorders of the ovaries. Herbs that bring on menstrual flow when there is delayed menstruation --for whatever reason--are known as emmenagogues. These herbs are not recommended during pregnancy until the end of term to help prepare for childbirth (under qualified supervision).

Herbs that bring on menstrual flow when there is delayed menstruation --for whatever reason--are known as emmenagogues. Emmenagogues are not recommended during pregnancy until the end of term to help prepare for childbirth (under qualified supervision). The use of these herbs to attempt to end an unwanted pregnancy is dangerous and the results unpredictable.

Angelica stimulates delayed menstruation, breaking up stagnation in the reproductive system. ¹. Angelica root can be made into a tea, taken as an extract, or the essential oil can be used in abdominal massage. Sage, combined with dan-gui (dong quai), it is used to regulate suppressed menstrual flow in traditional Chinese medicine.⁵ Dong quai is sometimes refered to as Chinese angelica, as they are closely related herbs.

Blue Cohosh is a powerful emmenagogue is considered to be one of the best uterine stimulants and herbs to bring on menstruation. Blue cohosh contains the phytochemical calulopsponin which actively stimulates uterine contractions and promotes blood flow to the pelvic region. Blue cohosh is generally used in combination with other herbs, often black cohosh to treat menstrual disorders. The herb is one of the aborifacient herbs often used to induce labor. ^1,2

False unicorn root is a time-honored remedy for a whole panoply of uterine and menstrual problems, and is often used in formulas for infertility. This native herb of the appalachian mountains was used by Native American women to deter miscarriage, and may, in fact, help encourage menstruation.^1,2

Lemon balm - Melissa is an aromatic mint with a long reputation for having calming properties. An important medicinal use of lemon balm is to promote menstrual periods and ease period pain. ³

The medicinal qualities of the oil extracted from Sweet marjoram - Oleum majoranae are used as an external application for sprains, bruises, etc., and also as an emmenagogue. ⁴

Stinging nettle leaf infusion has reportedly returned the monthly flow to women drinking it regularly, even in their sixties. Dong quai tincture, especially when combined with white peony root and licorice, is a superb remedy for women whose menses cease unaccountably.⁶

Aborifacient Herbs:
Mugwort's chief employment is as an emmenagogue, often in combination with Pennyroyal and Southernwoods. ⁴ Pennyroyal is one of the strongest herbs to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Because of the herbs reputation as an aborifacient, it has a rather unsavory reputation, however the whole herb taken as a tea can be used safely for its intended purposes, when coupled with common sense, respect, knowledge and caution. Pennyroyal essential oil is extremely toxic and should never be taken internally for any reason. ¹ Tansy is a strong emmenagogue (provoking the onset of a period) and should not be used in pregnancy. It can be fatal when taken in large doses. ⁴

Blue Cohosh is a powerful emmenagogue

Aborifacient Herbs:Strong emmenagogues The use of these herbs to attempt to end an unwanted pregnancy is dangerous and the results unpredictable. When used for intended purposes,that is, bringing on or regulating menses, these herbs can be safe when coupled with common sense, respect, knowledge and caution. Mugwort's chief employment is as an emmenagogue, often in combination with Pennyroyal and Southernwoods. ⁴ Pennyroyal is one of the strongest herbs to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Because of the herbs reputation as an aborifacient, it has a rather unsavory reputation, however the whole herb taken as a tea can be used safely. Pennyroyal essential oil is extremely toxic and should never be taken internally for any reason. ¹ Tansy is a strong emmenagogue (provoking the onset of a period) and should not be used in pregnancy. It can be fatal when taken in large doses. ⁴