EMMENAGOGUES

Emmenagogues are herbs that help promote and regulate menstruation

and thereby treat many of the special disorders of the female
reproductive system; these include P.M.S., uterine tumors or infections.
Such herbs are called raktabhisarana, herbs that promote the flow of
blood, in Ayurveda, what could be called circulatory stimulants.
Emmenagogues are largely pungent-to-bitter herbs that relieve
congestion of the blood, clear blood clots and promote menstruation.
They warm the blood and improve its quality stimulating the heart. They
may be heating or cooling in energy with those cooling in the majority.
The female reproductive system is intimately associated with the blood;
it is, therefore, Pitta in nature. Imbalances should
be examined as increased or decreased Pitta conditions. Naturally the
same treatment cannot work in botJb. cases. Those emmenagogues that
are cooling in nature are better for high Pitta menstrual disorders; those
heating in nature for low Pitta.
A predominance of cooling emmenagogues is better for menstrual
irregularities owing to such conditions as uterine infection or bleeding.
Such herbs also help calm high emotions, anger and irritability. A
predominance of heating emmenagogues is better for delayed
menstruation due to exposure to cold, overexertion or nervous anxiety.
Emmenagogues may also be antispasmodics, relieving uterine cramping
and pain. Those which are diuretic treat pre-menstrual water retention.
Those which are hemostatic are better for excessive menstruation.
Typical heating emmenagogues: angelica, asafoetida, cinnamon, cotton
root, ginger, mugwort, myrrh, parsley pennyroyal, safflower, tang kuei,
turmeric, valerian.
Typical cooling emmenagogues: blessed thistle, chamomile,
chrysanthemum, hibiscus, manjishta, motherwort, musta, primrose, red
raspberry, rose flowers, squawvine, yarrow.
Emmenagogues work largely by increasing apana vayu, the downward-
moving Vata governing elimination, urination and sexual functions. As
such, they tend to be laxative and to promote the discharge of the fetus.
Hence, many are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Ayurveda distinguishes another group of emmenagoguesthose which
are tonic or rejuvenative to the female reproductive system. These are a
subcategory of tonic, rejuvenative and aphrodisiac herbs. They are
mainly sweet herbs t-hat build the blood, moisten and nourish the female
reproductive organs, and so treat conditions of organ weakness due to
disease, poor nutrition or the effects of aging
Typical tonic and rejuvenative emmenagogues: aloe vera, angelica,
cotton root, false unicorn, licorice, lotus seeds, myrrh, peony,
rehmannia, shatavari, Solomons seal, wild yam, and such flowers as
hibiscus, jasmine, rose and saffron. In this regard, Ayurveda also uses
various iron preparations.