Cowherb

Botanical

What is it

Cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica), known as Wang Bu Liu Xing in Chinese herbal medicine, is an annual whose seeds are used traditionally for menstrual regulation and lactation support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Menstrual irregularity (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used historically for menstrual regulation; modern human clinical trials are not available.

How it works

Vaccaria seeds contain triterpenoid saponins, cyclic peptides, and starch. Animal studies suggest mild estrogenic and uterotonic effects, and traditional use is mostly for menstrual disorders and milk flow. Mechanisms are not well established in humans. Clinical evidence is sparse, with most use embedded in multi-herb traditional formulas.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 5-10 g of seed daily. Commercial extracts vary; the DSLD does not list a standardized median. No RDA or upper limit exists.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken as a decoction; no modern timing guideline is established.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Seed extract

Most common form, often blended in traditional Chinese formulas.

Saponins are the marker compound class

Safety

Generally well tolerated short term in traditional doses. Concentrated extracts have not been formally evaluated for long-term safety in humans.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy because of traditional uterotonic use. Use cautiously in hormone-sensitive conditions and consult a clinician if breastfeeding.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with hormone therapies and uterotonic medications based on traditional indications.

Frequently asked questions

Is cowherb safe in pregnancy?⌄

No. Traditional use to stimulate menstruation means it should be avoided in pregnancy.

Does it help breastfeeding?⌄

Traditional use includes lactation support, but there is no controlled human evidence.

References

Cowherb on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cowherb (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.