Herbal traditions have used these plants for centuries, but we like to go a step further and look at what modern research actually shows. Below are nine herbs in our PMS & Menstruation loose leaf blend, each included for a specific role — from menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding to mood swings and hormonal balance — along with the single strongest study behind each one.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) — for hormonal imbalance
Lady's mantle has a long traditional use for regulating gynecological hormonal complaints, attributed to its luteotropic action on ovarian progesterone secretion. In a controlled animal study of polycystic ovary syndrome, an induced model of hormonal imbalance, Alchemilla vulgaris extract normalized the hormonal disturbances and abnormal ovarian changes seen in untreated animals, an effect linked to its anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective properties. 🔗 Hormonal imbalance/PCOS model study (PubMed)
Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum) — for heavy menstrual bleeding
Purple dead nettle is a traditional folk remedy for menstrual disorders, though it lacks strong human clinical evidence. In laboratory testing on animal models, a butanolic extract of Lamium purpureum aerial parts demonstrated genuine haemostatic (bleeding-reducing) activity, supporting its traditional use for menstrual and other bleeding. 🔗 Haemostatic activity study (PubMed)
Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) — for heavy menstrual bleeding
In a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, women with heavy menstrual bleeding who took hydroalcoholic shepherd's purse extract alongside mefenamic acid showed a significantly greater reduction in menstrual blood loss than those taking mefenamic acid with placebo, supporting the plant's long traditional use as an astringent for uterine bleeding. 🔗 Heavy menstrual bleeding clinical trial (PubMed)
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) — for menstrual cramps
Raspberry leaf has centuries of traditional use as a uterine tonic, valued for its ability to increase blood flow to the uterus and support more organized, efficient muscle contraction rather than the disorganized cramping that causes menstrual pain. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 192 women, raspberry leaf tablets caused no adverse effects and produced measurable changes in the pattern and efficiency of uterine muscle activity, providing genuine clinical evidence for the plant's real effect on uterine muscle function. 🔗 Randomized clinical trial (PubMed)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — for menstrual pain
In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, women with primary dysmenorrhea who used yarrow teabags for three days over two menstrual cycles showed a significantly greater reduction in pain severity than those given a placebo, with the effect strengthening in the second month of use. 🔗 Primary dysmenorrhea clinical trial (PubMed)
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) — for water retention
Nettle has long been valued for its mild diuretic action, helping the body clear excess fluid without depleting essential minerals — relevant to the bloating and water retention common before and during menstruation. In a pharmacological study, continuous perfusion of an aqueous nettle extract produced a genuine, dose-dependent diuretic and natriuretic (sodium-excreting) effect. 🔗 Diuretic/natriuretic study (PubMed)
Silverweed (Argentina anserina) — for PMS symptoms
Silverweed is a well-established European remedy specifically indicated for the prevention of premenstrual syndrome, with the gynecological use grounded in pharmacological research showing the herb increases the tonus of the isolated uterus. 🔗 Phytochemical/gynecological indication study (PubMed)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — for mood swings
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, female students who took chamomile capsules from seven days before menstruation until the start of their period showed a significantly greater reduction in menstrual-related mood disorders than those given a placebo, supporting the plant's traditional calming reputation applied specifically to premenstrual mood changes. 🔗 Menstrual-related mood disorders clinical trial (PubMed)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) — for anxiety and irritability
Motherwort has long been classified as a calming nervine with a traditional reputation for easing nervous tension. In an open clinical trial, patients with anxiety and sleep disturbances who took a Leonurus cardiaca oil extract for 28 days showed significant improvement in anxiety symptoms, with 80% of patients showing a significant or moderate improvement on a standard clinical rating scale. 🔗 Human anxiety clinical trial (PubMed)
Why This Matters
Each of these herbs has been studied individually for its effects on a specific PMS or menstrual symptom — menstrual cramps and pain, heavy bleeding, hormonal imbalance, water retention, mood swings, and anxiety or irritability — with genuine human clinical trial evidence for several, including shepherd's purse, raspberry leaf, yarrow, chamomile, and motherwort. We combine them because their documented modes of action work together across the full range of what a menstrual cycle can bring: calming uterine cramping, toning uterine muscle to help regulate bleeding, easing fluid retention, and supporting a steadier mood through the emotional shifts of PMS.
This post is for educational purposes and summarizes existing scientific literature. It is not medical advice, and our blend is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a diagnosed gynecological or bleeding-related condition, as several of these herbs have measurable effects on uterine muscle activity and menstrual bleeding.