Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), water plantain (known as "Ze Xie") is commonly included in formulas intended to address various disorders, including menstrual irregularities. Traditional practitioners attribute to water plantain diuretic and dampness-clearing properties, which are believed to help promote the smooth flow of bodily fluids and regulate menstrual cycles. However, these uses are rooted in the concepts and diagnostic frameworks unique to TCM and not based on modern biomedical research.

Currently, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence from clinical trials or pharmacological studies to specifically support the use of water plantain for treating menstrual irregularity. Most available research focuses on its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, or lipid-lowering effects rather than its impact on female reproductive health. As such, recommendations for its use in menstrual irregularity are based primarily on historical and traditional precedent rather than validated efficacy. While it remains a common herbal ingredient in some menstrual disorder formulas, healthcare providers generally advise caution due to insufficient scientific validation.