emmenagogue

plural emmenagogues · alternative US emmenagog

1. medicineAn herb that stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, causing menstruation.

   Because of its phenolic ether content (methyl chavicol), which varies within wide limits, depending on the species, the origin and the time of harvesting, basil is often cited as an emmenagogue.

   2007, Shirley Price, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, page 71

alternative US emmenagog

1. not comparableemmenagogic

   Take of the emmenagogue decoction, six ounces; borax, fifteen grains; troches of myrrh, two scruples; dittany of Crete, finely powdered, ten grains; […]

   1775, The practice of the British and French hospitals

   1 more example

   DES does not propose an etymology for this word [bunnanaru, 'yellow germander'], but merely notes its similarity to the toponym Bunnánaru. Paulis suggests that this similarity may be due to chance or folk etymology, which is plausible. He proposes an etymology *kunn-án-aru, from Lat. cunnus 'vagina' because of this plant's apparent emmenagogue properties.

   2025, Cid Swanenvleugel, The Pre-Roman Elements of the Sardinian Lexicon, page 66