Evidence supporting the use of: Pulsatilla
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pulsatilla, derived from the Pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis or Pulsatilla nigricans), has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine and homeopathy for various gynecological concerns, including menstrual irregularity. Historically, it was believed to have properties that could "regulate" or "stimulate" menstrual flow and was used for conditions such as delayed menstruation, scanty periods, or menstrual pain. The rationale for its use was often based on empirical observations and the doctrine of signatures, rather than on controlled clinical data.
Modern scientific evidence supporting Pulsatilla’s efficacy for menstrual irregularity is minimal. There are few, if any, robust clinical trials investigating the effects of Pulsatilla on menstrual cycles. Most contemporary references to Pulsatilla’s use in this context come from homeopathic literature, where high dilutions are employed, and scientific plausibility is highly debated. Systematic reviews of homeopathic remedies have generally found the evidence to be weak or inconclusive for most conditions, including menstrual disorders.
In summary, Pulsatilla’s use for menstrual irregularity is justified by tradition rather than by scientific evidence. Although it remains a popular remedy in homeopathy and traditional herbal medicine, the overall quality and quantity of scientific evidence are low, and its effectiveness for this purpose has not been established in rigorous clinical studies.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose
Fig
Little ironweed
Pennyroyal
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Pulsatilla
AmenorrheaAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder (irritable)
Conjunctivitis
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Diarrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Leucorrhea
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Mood Swings
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A