Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual flow. Heavy periods, according to the Mayo Clinic, are defined as bleeding that lasts for more than a week, interferes with your everyday life, and causes you to change your pad or tampon more than every hour. After appropriate consultation with your doctor, try taking herbal supplements to reduce your monthly flow as an alternative to conventional medications or surgical procedures.
Vitex
Vitex, also called chasteberry, is an herb that has been traditionally used to manage post-partum hemorrhaging and to regulate menstruation, according to the alternative health resource PeaceHealth.org. Vitex contains active ingredients, including flavonoids, that prompt your body to produce progesterone, which helps regulate your cycle. Some women find relief from PMS symptoms by taking chasteberry supplements as well. For excessive bleeding during menstruation, begin at 30 mg of vitex, and continue taking it for several months for optimal results.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is an herb with astringent properties, and is more commonly associated with the treatment of hemorrhoids and skin conditions than with women's health issues. According to PeaceHealth.org, the scientific claims to promote the use of witch hazel for menorrhagia are weak. Traditional folk remedies point to witch hazel as helping reduce the monthly flow, so it may be an alternative therapy you can discuss with a physician. Standard doses of witch hazel are 2 to 4 ml of liquid tincture taken three times a day, or making a daily tea with 1 cup water and 2 to 3 g of dried herb.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a plant that is in the same family as chamomile and chrysthanemum, and is used to stop wounds from bleeding. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains that the herb is often prescribed to manage menstrual problems, including amenorrhea and cramping, in addition to heavy periods. Yarrow is available as a dried herb for herbal teas, capsules, tablets and liquid tinctures. The book "Herbs for Health and Healing" suggests making a tea that combines 1/2 to 1 tsp. each of vitex, yarrow, shepherd's purse and raspberry leaf to reduce menstrual flow.
Shepherd's Purse
Shepherd's purse, or Chinese cress, is an annual that is characterized by small white flowers, stem-like leaves and seed pods. The plant, like witch hazel, is a natural astringent and coagulant, and is used to not only manage and reduce a heavy menstrual flow, but also to treat nosebleeds. South African herbal manufacturer Ageless points out that shepherd's purse should not be used in high doses or for long periods of time, so check with a medical care provider to determine an appropriate dosing schedule.
