Overview
PMS, cyclical mastalgia, luteal-phase dysfunction (corpus luteum insufficiency), dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, hyperprolactinemia, breast tenderness (per text).
Plant family
Verbenaceae
Parts used
Fruit and seed
Actions
Tonic · Nervine · Emmenagogue · Uterine Stimulant
Affinities
Reproductive · Nervous
Body systems
Reproductive · Nervous
Taste profile
Spicy, pungent, peppery
Tissue states
Traditional use
Historical/ritual and ancient-medicine use described in course text (e.g., Hippocrates/Dioscorides references); also used traditionally as emmenagogue/uterine stimulant (per text).
Current use
PMS, cyclical mastalgia, luteal-phase dysfunction (corpus luteum insufficiency), dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, hyperprolactinemia, breast tenderness (per text).
Preparation
Fluid extract; tincture; oral dosing protocols
Dosage guidance
Fluid extract: 1.2–4.0 mL (0.5–1.6 tsp). Tincture: 40 drops once daily with liquid. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: 20–40 mg daily (used in studies).
Cautions & contraindications
May be unsafe during pregnancy and while breast-feeding; avoid during pregnancy (uterine stimulant properties). Breast-feeding use is controversial due to prolactin effects; avoid until more is known. Hormone-regulating activity may hypothetically interfere with oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/uterine/ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids). Listed as AHPA Class 2b (per text).
Evidence notes
Course text emphasizes dopamine/D2 receptor and prolactin modulation; effects may be dose-dependent and clinically slow (4–12+ weeks).