Uterine Tonics & Spasmolytics

Rubus idaeus  Constituents~Leaf:  Tannins  Flavonoids (rutin)  Organic Acids (succinic and lactic)  Alkaloid (fragrine): gives tone to, and relaxes, muscles of the pelvic region.  Traces of Vit. C, B, E and A  Calcium, potassium  Chelated Iron

Rubus ideaus  Indications: Uterine tonic, partus-prep, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, GI bleeding  Dosage:  Infusion: 1 Tbsp/cup water; sig 1-2 cups TID  Fluid extract: (1:1 25% ): sig 5 ml TID during labor: 5ml doses, up to 6 x qd

Angelica sinensis

Common name: Dong quai, dang gui Habitat: native to mountainous regions of China, Korea and Japan Part used: root head-traumatic injuries body-build blood tail-move blood

Angelica sinensis Constituents: volatile oils ( %), ferulic acid, coumarins, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12, biotin, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol

Angelica sinensis Medicinal actions:  uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, estrogenic, progesteronic  hepatorestroative/protective, nervous sedative, vasodilator, demulcent laxative  Immune stimulant, inflammation modulator hematopoeitic

Angelica sinensis Indications: chronic dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, infertility (anovulatory cycles), constipation, IBS, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia Contraindications: first trimester of pregnancy; not recommended during first part of luteal phase

Angelica sinensis Dosing: Safe for long term use.  decoction: 3-15 g dried radix qd  1:2 fluid extract: 4-8 ml qd

Aletris farinosa  Liliaceae  Common name: True Unicorn Root  Habitat: Throughout the U.S. growing in fields and at the edge of swampy woods.  Parts used: Root

Aletris farinosa Actions: Uterine tonic, ovarian tonic, male reproductive tonic, stimulating expectorant

Aletris farinosa  Dose:  Decoction:1/2-1 tsp. dried root/cup water TID  Tincture: 1:5, 1-2 ml TID  Contratindications:  Pregnancy  Toxic in high doses

Caulophyllum thalictroides

 Family: Berberidaceae  Common name: Blue Cohosh  Habitat: Native to moist rich woods of eastern N. America.  Part Used: Root

Caulophyllum thalictroides  Medicinal actions: Uterine tonic, emmenagogue, oxytocic, partus preparator, antispasmodic, anti- inflammatory, diuretic

Caulophyllum thalictroides  Dose:  Decoction: 1 tsp./cup; sig 1 cup TID  Tincture 1:5, 45%EtOH; sig 1-3 ml TID  Fluid Extract 1:1 70% EtOH; sig ml TID

Mitchella repens

 Tannins  Saponins  Bitters  Alkaloids  Mucilage

Mitchella repens

 Uterine tonic  Parturient  Diuretic  Emmenagogue

(Chamaelirium luteum) False Unicorn Root Family: Liliaceae Part Used: Root Endangered

(Chamaelirium luteum) Uterine tonic Regulates menses Resolves ovarian cysts Steroidal saponins Sapogenin Diosgenin

(Chamaelirium luteum)  Dosing

(Viburnum opulus)

(Leonurus cardiaca)

 Common name: Motherwort  Family: Lamiaceae  Part used: Aerial parts, especially flowering tops  Grows like a weed in any soil  Constituents: Stachydrine & leonurine (alkaloids)  Actions: Cardioprotective, cardioregulating, antianginal, relaxant, nervine, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, mild uterine stimulant and tonic, and emmenagogue  Indications: Amenorrhea and threatened miscarriage, however empirical data recommends against taking it while pregnant