Herbs to Cleanse the Uterus
Many herbs can be used to stimulate and cleanse your uterus, improve its tone and ease menstrual or menopausal symptoms. However, some herbs that boost uterine health should not be taken when you are pregnant due to risk of stimulating contractions. While many herbs have a long tradition of safe use, you still need to consult a doctor before utilizing any uterus-supporting herbs, especially if you are trying to get pregnant, have a medical condition or take medications.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Ginger
Marigold
Herbs That Stop Heavy Bleeding With Fibroids
Learn More
Marigold is a good cleansing herb that can be used to support uterine health according to “Essential Herbal Wisdom,” by Nancy Arrowsmith. The fact that it has cleansing qualities but does not irritate mucous membranes makes it especially useful for a hardened uterus. Drinking marigold tea, or combining marigold and chamomile in tea, can help regulate menstrual bleeding and ease cramps. It should be used for a week prior to menstruation for this purpose, Arrowsmith advises. Avoid marigold if you are pregnant.
- Marigold is a good cleansing herb that can be used to support uterine health according to “Essential Herbal Wisdom,” by Nancy Arrowsmith.
- Drinking marigold tea, or combining marigold and chamomile in tea, can help regulate menstrual bleeding and ease cramps.
Motherwort
Kong, lead author of a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2.
Other studies by H. Nagasawa et al. published in Anticancer Research indicate that motherwort may have an effect against mammary cancer as well. The studies were done on mice, however, so more research is needed to determine if motherwort is effective for humans suffering this cancer according to “The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing,” by Gary Null. Avoid motherwort if you’re pregnant because of its ability to cause uterine contractions.
- Kong, lead author of a study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2.
- The studies were done on mice, however, so more research is needed to determine if motherwort is effective for humans suffering this cancer according to “The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing,” by Gary Null.
Raspberry
Does Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Help Postpartum Bleeding?
Learn More
Red raspberry has long been used as a uterine tonic to regulate and tone uterine muscles according to “The Complete Herbal Guide,” by Stacey Chillemi and Michael Chillemi. It can help return your uterus to its normal tone and reduce swelling and bleeding after giving birth. Its ferulic acid content may ease menstrual flow by stimulating the muscles that support the uterus while also reducing excessive menstrual bleeding.
In the past, raspberry was used during pregnancy, but this is no longer recommended due to the possibility of stimulating contractions, says Chillemis. Raspberry is rich in nutrients that support the reproductive system as well as other body systems.
- Red raspberry has long been used as a uterine tonic to regulate and tone uterine muscles according to “The Complete Herbal Guide,” by Stacey Chillemi and Michael Chillemi.
- In the past, raspberry was used during pregnancy, but this is no longer recommended due to the possibility of stimulating contractions, says Chillemis.
Related Articles
References
- "The Fat Flush Foods," Ann Louise Gittleman; 2004
- PubMed: “American Journal of Chinese Medicine;” Isolation of the Uterotonic Principle from Leonurus Artemisia, the Chinese Motherwort;” Y.C. Kong; 1976
- “Herbal Remedies;” Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli; 2001
- PubMed: “Anticancer Research;” Effects of motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L) on preneoplastic and neoplastic mammary gland growth in multiparous GR/A mice; H. Nagasawa; 1990
- PubMed: “Anticancer Research;” Further study on the effects of motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L) on preneoplastic and neoplastic mammary gland growth in multiparous GR/A mice; H. Nagasawa; 1992
- American Botanical Council. Motherwort.
- Fierascu RC, Fierascu I, Ortan A, et al. L. as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: An Update of the European Medicines Agency Assessment Report (2010). Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:4303215. doi: 10.1155/2019/4303215
- Tachjian A, Maria V, Jahangir A. Use of herbal products and potential interactions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;55(6):515-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2009.07.074
- Xin H, Gu M, Wang WW, et al. Effects of Leonurine on L-type calcium channel in rat ventricular myocytes. Biol Pharm Bull. 2012;35(8):1249-56. DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b12-00011
- Bernatoniene J, Kopustinskiene DM, Jakstas V, et al. The effect of Leonurus cardiaca herb extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart. Planta Med. 2014;80(7):525-32. DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1368426
- Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Makarov VG, Demchenko DV, Shikh EV. Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders. Phytother Res. 2011;25(4):540-3. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3292
- Wojtyniak K, Szymański M, Matławska I. Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort): a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Phytother Res. 2013;27(8):1115-20. doi:10.1002/ptr.4850
- Bernatoniene J. The effect of Leonurus cardiaca herb extract and some of its flavonoids on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the heart. Planta Med. 2014 May;80(7):525-32. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1368426
- Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Makarov VG, Demchenko DV, Shikh EV. Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders. Phytother Res. 2011 Apr;25(4):540-3. doi:10.1002/ptr.3292
- Wojtyniak K, Szymański M, Matławska I. Leonurus cardiaca L. (Motherwort): A Review of its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Phytother Res. 2013 Aug;27(8):1115-20. doi:10.1002/ptr.4850
- Xin H, Gu M, Wang WW, et al. Effects of leonurine on L-type calcium channel in rat ventricular myocytes. Biol Pharm Bull 2012;35:1249–1256.
- Yarnell Eric. Herbs for Atrial Fibrillation. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Vol. 23, No. 3. Published Online:1 Jun 2017. doi:10.1089/act.2017.29114.eya
Resources
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Ginger
- “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Menopause;” M. M. Pelletier and D. S. Romaine; 2000
- “Essential Herbal Wisdom;” Nancy Arrowsmith; 2009
- “The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing;” Gary Null; 2000
- “The Complete Herbal Guide,” by Stacey Chillemi and Michael Chillemi; 2007
Writer Bio
Linda Tarr Kent is a reporter and editor with more than 20 years experience at Gannett Company Inc., The McClatchy Company, Sound Publishing Inc., Mach Publishing, MomFit The Movement and other companies. Her area of expertise is health and fitness. She is a Bosu fitness and stand-up paddle surfing instructor. Kent holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Washington State University.