Can I drink motherwort for light menstrual flow?

When my cousin visited our home, she mentioned that she had started her period recently but noticed her menstrual flow was lighter than usual. She felt somewhat anxious yet embarrassed to discuss it openly. So, can women with light menstrual flow drink motherwort (Leonurus japonicus) tea?

Can women with light menstrual flow drink motherwort?

Yes, women experiencing light menstrual flow may benefit from drinking motherwort. Motherwort promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis while nourishing the uterus. Consuming motherwort during menstruation may help increase menstrual flow. Women with scanty periods may consider drinking motherwort tea during their period to help regulate flow. Additionally, incorporating more blood-activating foods—such as red dates (jujubes), goji berries, longan fruit, and brown sugar—is advisable. However, if oligomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstruation) stems from endocrine imbalance, relying solely on motherwort may yield suboptimal results. In such cases, undergoing endocrine testing to identify the specific hormonal imbalance is recommended, followed by targeted pharmacological treatment to regulate menstruation.

Light menstrual flow in women may be associated with menstrual irregularities, deficiency of qi and blood, or “cold uterus” (a TCM concept referring to uterine coldness impairing circulation). During menstruation, women are advised to drink brown sugar–ginger tea regularly. Both brown sugar and ginger possess warming properties, helping to warm the uterus, enhance blood circulation, and facilitate the expulsion of stagnant blood—thereby potentially increasing menstrual flow.

Women may also drink rose petal tea during their period. Rose petals aid detoxification and promote skin health, accelerate the elimination of internal toxins, and help prevent stagnation of qi and blood. Staying well-hydrated with warm water throughout the period is also beneficial. We hope this information proves helpful!