Emmenagogues (also spelled ''emmenagogs'') are
herbs which stimulate
blood
Blood is a body fluid in the circulatory system of humans and other vertebrates that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells, and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells. Blood in the cir ...
flow in the
pelvic area and
uterus
The uterus (from Latin ''uterus'', plural ''uteri'') or womb () is the organ in the reproductive system of most female mammals, including humans that accommodates the embryonic and fetal development of one or more embryos until birth. The ...
; some stimulate
menstruation. Women use emmenagogues to stimulate menstrual flow when menstruation is absent for reasons other than pregnancy, such as hormonal disorders or conditions like
oligomenorrhea (light menses).
According to Riddle,
these herbs were also used to assist women whose menstruation was "delayed", for the reason that they had conceived. There are a large number of substances which can act as emmenagogues. Many, such as
Mentha pulegium, European pennyroyal, or
Tansy, may, as a tea, bring on menses, but if taken later in pregnancy, in strong or concentrated doses, such as pennyroyal or tansy oil, pose serious medical hazards including organ damage or incomplete abortions.
Rue (
Ruta graveolens) and
Peganum harmala are other commonly available emmenagogues which can result in serious harm.
References
Further reading
Herbal Safety: Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Herbs
Menstrual cycle
Obstetrical and gynaecological procedures
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