About jackie barr Expertise I have used Alternative Medicine for years to treat my family. I am well versed in the use of herbs and therapies as an alternative health choice.
Question I had been taking birth control pills for about 1 year and went off them, but now cannot get my period to start, i have went to the doctor and taken pregnancy tests and am not pregnant, i just need to get started again, because now as a result of not having my period for 4 or 5 months i am frustrated and gaining weight. Can you please tell me of an herb or something i can do to get started again, i would rather not take another perscription from a doctor.
Thank You
Melissa
Answer Hi Melissa
There are several herbs that help with restarting your periods. I am listing several so that you have choices. One of my favorites is the False Unicorn Root.
Chasteberry herb of choice.
Dong Quai is helpful in regulating menses-and starting them.
Angelica may be used instead of Dong Quai to start delayed menstruation, but its action is somewhat harsher.
Squaw Vine is another herb that is used for menstrual irregularities. Use the following tea.
1 Part Squaw Vine 2 Parts Raspberry Leaves 1 Part Blue Cohosh 1 Part Black Cohosh 1 Part False Unicorn
Mix and prepare an infusion, taking a cup or two a day, or powder the herbs and place in capsules.
Blue Cohosh root is taken for cramps and to start or regulate menses.
Myrrh gum will encourage delayed menses to get with it and will also allay menstrual pain. Two to six #0 capsules, or 30 to 60 drops of tincture, or 3 oz. of infusion, three times a day is a common dosage.
Caution: Myrrh should not be taken over a long period of time or in large amounts. In sizable amounts it can be toxic.
Irregular or suppressed menstruation: If you suffer from
To regulate your menstrual cycle, try 1 capsule of dong quai or ginger 1-3 times daily. Drinking 1 cup of raspberry leaf tea each day may also help.
Blue Cohosh, Latin name Caulophyllum thalictroides, is an herb derived from the rhizome and roots of a small North American perennial. Modern herbalists often recommend Blue Cohosh as an 'emmenagogue' to induce menstruation, and as uterine stimulant and antispasmodic. It is also frequently employed as a diuretic to eliminate excess fluids, as an expectorant to treat congestion, and as a diaphoretic to eliminate toxins by inducing sweating.
Herbs that induce menstruation are angelica, birthroot, black cohosh, blue cohosh, motherwort, pennyroyal leaf, parsley and yarrow.
Herbs For Delayed Menses
Intended to help bring on menses.
For teas, the rule of thumb is, one teaspoon of herb per cup of boiling water unless otherwise noted.
Unless otherwise noted, steep leaves 5 to 10 minutes in a covered container, twigs, bark and roots, steep 10 to 15 minutes (covered).
Angelica - 1 oz powdered root per pint of boiling water.
Basil - Tea , a teaspoon of leaves used per cup of water, generally no more than two cups of tea used per day. also supposed to help with menstrual pains. Also used in a lukewarm bath.
Blue Cohosh - emmenagogue (brings on menstrual flow) 1 teaspoon per cup of water in a tea. This herb also regulates flow.
Catnip - Tea, use one teaspoon of the herb in a cup of water, drink when cooled. (also good for painful menstruation)
Chamomile - Tea steeped (10 to 15 minutes) in a covered container so not to have its essences lost to the atmosphere. 1 teaspoon of the flowers is used per cup of tea. (it is really a yummy tea, good with honey) or in a bath (2 oz flowers steeped in a quart of water, strained, then added to bath)
Ginger - Tea, 1 tsp per cup of boiling water.
Lavender - as a douche, decoction (boil in water for 15 to 20 minutes), brings on delayed menses, also good to cure leucorrhea.
Pennyroyal - Tea, 1 teaspoon per cup of water, steeped covered. Note Pennyroyal is often taken in combination with blue cohosh. Note: Pennyroyal is a natural source of estrogen. May take up to 5 days to bring on menses.
False Unicorn Root
Used as a general uterine tonic to strengthen the reproductive system. Useful in delayed menses, amenorrhea, and for ovarian pain. Used also for threatened miscarriage and morning sickness.
