Reproductive System and Emmenagogues Herbs

Question 1

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata; Sabal serrulata, Serenoa repens)

Answer 1

best used as a tincture made from the partially dried berries

It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT, thus making it very important for prostate problems.

increase male potency and has a calming effect on the nervous system

For females it is said to increase the size of underdeveloped breasts

stimulate digestion, as well as increase nutrient absorption

head colds, irritated mucous membranes, and as a diuretic and tonic

Question 2

Dong quai (Angelica polymorpha)

Answer 2

USE - root

SOLVENTS - water, alcohol

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Emmenagogue, sedative, analgesic, blood tonic.

USES
- adjusting sexual hormones in either the female or male
- dysmenorrhea
- for many female complaints, particularly for ailments affecting the smooth muscles of the uterus
- a blood builder especially after delivering a child
- to increase oxygen utilization in the liver (enhancing glutamin and cysteine oxidation.)
- Dong quai is also used to strengthen the heart and aid in circulation, being shown to prevent atherosclerosis
- antibiotic effect
- retards platelet aggregation

Question 3

Squaw vine (Mitchella repens)

Answer 3

USE - The entire herb.

SOLVENT - Dilute Alcohol, Boiling Water.

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Emmenagogue, Parturient, Tonic, Diuretic, astringent

USES -
- most common use is as a parturient -> Mixed in equal parts with red raspberry leaves and in infusion form, it is taken two to four weeks before expected delivery date to ensure a safe and easy delivery

• For any urinary disease, squaw vine is a valuable diuretic, tonic and alterative
• female corrective tonics

Question 4

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Answer 4

USE - herb and seed.

SOLVENT - Water, Alcohol

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Emmenagogue, Anthelminthic (the seeds are a
vermifuge), tonic, diaphoretic and stimulant.

USES
- vermifuge
- fly repellent
- valuable local pain reliever
- cold infusion have been used in convalescence for dyspepsia and jaundice
- warm infusion has application as a diaphoretic and emmenagogue
- delayed menstrual flow
- painful menstruation

• tansy’s habit of interlocking its roots with surrounding species. This often causes it to take on the characteristics of those neighbours

NOTE: Large doses cause vomiting, convulsions, coma, feeble respiration and increased pulse. Some books list this plant as toxic and poisonous.

Question 5

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Answer 5

USE - entire herb and oil.

SOLVENT - Alcohol, Boiling Water (partially), Apple Cider Vinegar (Don’t Boil)

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Emmenagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant,
carminative.

American Pennyroyal has similar but weaker properties.

USES
- Uses: As an emmenagogue it is
especially effective for delayed
menstruation. It should be taken warm and in conjunction with a vapour bath
- For feverish conditions, pennyroyal has a marked beneficial effect due to its diaphoretic and stimulant properties.
- For gas, spasm, colic, pain and restlessness in children
- g able to purify water, and in days of old
- hung in the sleeping room to induce sleep and keep insects out.
- Pennyroyal prepared in apple cider vinegar can be used as a healing wash.
- cleansing, detergent action, even on leprosy.
- A wash of the infusion is useful for fleas.

☞ Note: Pennyroyal should never be used during pregnancy.

Question 6

Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Answer 6

USE - root and rhizomes

SOLVENT - Water

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Emmenagogue, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Parturient, tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic.

USES
- one of the best herbs that can be used to assist in childbirth when the labour is slow, very painful and where fatigue has set in. It is sometimes taken for a week prior to birth. It is best taken either as an infusion or decoction a few hours before parturition.
- For delayed menstruation, a cold or hot infusion or decoction has been found beneficial.
- Blue cohosh is also an excellent nervine and is applicable in cases of hysteria, spasms, epilepsy and uterine inflammation

Question 7

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Answer 7

USE - top and leaves

SOLVENT - Water, alcohol.

THERAPEUTIC ACTION - Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Cardiac, nervine, laxative.

USES
- one of the best heart tonics. It calms the heart and nerves and may be given in large doses.
- It is especially strengthening in cases of heart palpitations
- It is excellent for delayed menstruation and other female troubles such as hysteria.
- treating bladder cramps, albumin in the urine and the scanty, clouded urine of typhoid.
- Alma Hutchens uses it for rheumatism, sciatica, neuritis, sleeplessness, convulsions,
delerium and chest cold.
- eliminates unwanted catarrh that is causing discomfort.