Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

There are many herbs with an astringent action that can help stop heavy menstrual bleeding acutely; when it is happening. Long-term hormonal balancing herbs may also need to be considered. Heavy blood loss may lead to anemia, so herbs high in iron and vit. C should be considered as well. Vit. C aids in the absorption of iron.

• Cranesbill, dried root (Geranium maculatum): Traditionally used to stop heavy menstrual bleeding or uterine hemorrhage, very astringent.


• Cinnamon inner bark (Cinnamomum verum, C.zeylanicum): Cinnamon has been shown to be a useful tool for women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and primary menorrhagia. Cinnamon has been used traditionally for hundreds of years to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, hemorrhage during childbirth and miscarriage, and today for any fertility condition where heavy menstruation is present. Learn more here…


• Ginger fresh or dried root (Zingiber officinale): Anti-inflammatory, cleansing, pain relieving and improves circulation to the reproductive organs.



• Hibiscus dried flower petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa): High in vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, best combined with herbs high in iron. Normalizing for blood pressure.


• Liferoot, dried aerial parts (Senecio aureus): Normalizing for the menstrual cycle, astringent.


• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Supports endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance support. Learn more here…


• Nettles aerial parts, seed (Urtica dioica): Both astringent and high in iron and vit. C. Excellent nutritive herb for menorrhagia.


• Periwinkle aerial parts (Vinca major): Used traditionally to treat menorrhagia, but also to curb mid-cycle spotting/bleeding known as metrorrhagia.



• Seaweed (variety of species): High in fiber for improved hormonal balance. High in a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, which may help prevent anemia in women with heavy monthly blood loss. Dulse, Kombu and Wakame are highest in iron. Dulse contains 4 times more iron than spinach! Learn more here…


• Shepherd’s purse, aerial parts (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Astringent used to reduce acute heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage.


• Vitex also known as Chaste Tree Berry, berry (Vitex agnus-castus): Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop). Supportive of hormonal balance and normalizing for the reproductive system as a whole. Learn more here…


• White Peony root (Paeonia lactiflora): Used in TCM to increase iron levels in women with menorrhagia, combines well with Dong Quai. Moves the blood in the pelvic area, good for uterine stagnation including conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, & PCOS, where menorrhagia may be present. Learn more here…


• Yarrow, aerial parts (Achillea millefolium): It promotes circulation, yet is extremely astringent, stopping excessive blood flow. Drying and moistening; promotes sweating and detoxification, but strengthens and tightens tissues. Stimulates uterus to bring on menstruation, yet curbs heavy menstrual flow; effectively aiding in regulation of menstrual flow. Learn more here…


• Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus): Stimulates bile production for healthy removal of toxins, supportive of liver health and is high in iron, which may help support adequate iron levels.

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