diello | POTIONS (for emergency reference)

Emmenagogue Brew

2 tbsp Dried Blue Cohosh Root
3 tbsp Dried Pennyroyal Leaves
2 tbsp Dried Tansy in Flower

Put the Blue Cohosh into a quart of water in a pan and bring to a boil. Put the other herbs into a quart jar. When the Blue Cohosh and water boils, pour into the jar with the other herbs.. Put on a tight lid and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain out herbs and reheat before using.

Blue Cohosh can stimulate uterine contractions, but the responsible principle is not very soluble in water, even when the root is boiled. American Pennyroyal strongly encourages the uterus to empty out and bleed. Tansy has been used by Wise Women in Europe and the Americas for centuries to facilitate menstruation and induce abortion. Together, these three emmenagogues can produce a profuse menstrual flow in sensitive women.

The usual dose is a steaming hot cupful every four hours for up to five days, or until bleeding is well under way. The effectiveness of this formula is enhanced by the addition of a tablespoonful of brewer's yeast to every cup.

Emmenagogue Combination

20 drops Blue Cohosh tincture
20 drops Black Cohosh tincture
20 drops American Pennyroyal tincture

Measure tinctures into a cup of warm water and drink slowly. Repeat every four hours for no more than five days. Continue for one full day after bleeding starts, to insure complete expulsion of all fetal material.

Blue Cohosh tincture stimulates production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for uterine contraction. Black Cohosh tincture enhances and supplements the action of the Blue Cohosh. Pennyroyal tincture is an old favorite for "suppressed menstruation."

Black and blue cohosh are "emmenagogues", which is the term for a plant which, if injested, can cause contractions of the uterus. The effect of taking them, is just that - your uterus will start contractions, it will probably feel like very strong cramps that you might get with your period, and usually this will cause menstrual bleeding to start. Once bleeding starts, you may feel you are passing some blood clots. This is normal, and means the emmenagogues are working effectively. A little spotting, however, and nothing more, does not necessarily mean that the herbs have done their job.

Take a break, as the recipe suggests, and try again. Twice done though, is enough, and if bleeding hasn't commenced by then, it probably isn't going to and you will need to seek another solution.

Black cohosh tincture & Blue cohosh tincture are herbs whih can be found at most herbalist shops. If you cannot get ahold of these in a tincture, but can get ahold of the herbs, there is a recipe that follows at the end for making a tincture yourself.)

Take One Dropperful of each every hour for 4 hours. Take a break for 4 - 6 hours and repeat if your period hasn't yet begun.

After all is said and done, whether or not you have achieved the desired effect, you will need to replenish your liver as these herbs take their toll on that organ. Drink lots of water, fresh squeezed lemon juice with water, and eat foods that cater to the liver, like dark leafy greens, beets, apples, etc.