Uterstopps

Uterstopps are a traditional form of folk medicine and herbal remedy historically used in parts of Europe, particularly in Scandinavia and Germany, to induce menstruation or manage menstrual irregularities. The practice involves the ingestion of specific herbs or plant-based substances believed to stimulate uterine contractions and promote the shedding of the uterine lining. Common herbs associated with uterstopps include pennyroyal (*Mentha pulegium*), rue (*Ruta graveolens*), and tansy (*Tanacetum vulgare*), though other plants may also be used depending on regional traditions.

The use of uterstopps dates back centuries, often employed by midwives and herbalists to address conditions such as delayed menstruation, miscarriage prevention, or labor induction in high-risk pregnancies. However, the practice is now widely discouraged due to significant health risks. Pennyroyal, for example, contains compounds that can cause severe liver damage, kidney failure, and even death when consumed in large quantities. Additionally, inducing menstruation artificially can disrupt hormonal balance, lead to excessive bleeding, or trigger complications such as infection or uterine rupture in pregnant individuals.

Modern medicine advises against self-medication with uterstopps or similar herbal remedies, emphasizing instead evidence-based treatments for menstrual irregularities. Conditions like amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) are typically addressed through medical evaluation, hormonal therapy, or lifestyle adjustments. Pregnant individuals should never use uterstopps, as they pose serious risks to both maternal and fetal health. Regulatory agencies, including those in the European Union and the United States, have restricted or banned certain herbs historically used in uterstopps due to their toxicity and lack of safety in unsupervised use.