Dog blood bush: The baby wonder herb?
CHECK out the comment section of any Caribbean fertility forum and dog blood bush (scientific name rivina humilis) will be mentioned as the cure-all, as it has been said to be successful in unblocking tubes. Obstetrician/gynaecologists like Dr Sharmaine Mitchell have cautioned against its use, as there have been no controlled clinical trials with the use of this herb. However, many women are still using it as a last resort for having a baby.
Is dog blood bush good to unblock Fallopian tubes?
Dog blood bush is a plant traditionally used in Caribbean and African folk medicine for various health purposes, including promoting fertility. It is also called pigeon berry, blood berry, baby pepper and fertility bush, and it is alleged to have anti-inflammatory properties, and is used to clean the Fallopian tubes.
Herbalist Kenute Harrison said the traditional uses of dog blood bush for fertility are for:
1) Clearing Fallopian tube blockages: Some women use dog blood bush as a herbal remedy for clearing Fallopian tube blockages, which is a potential cause of infertility.
2) Regulating menstrual cycles: The herb is also believed to help regulate menstrual cycles, which may contribute to improved fertility.
3) Detoxifying the reproductive system: In some traditions, it’s used to “cleanse” the womb and support general reproductive health.
“Note that most of the evidence supporting its use is anecdotal or based on historical practices,” Harrison said.
He said if you’re considering using dog blood bush or any other herbal remedy for fertility, it’s important to speak with your doctor, especially if you’re undergoing fertility treatments or have underlying health conditions.
The usual recommended dosage is one cup of dog blood bush per day for at least one month, starting three days before the menstrual period is due. This is continued for seven days. The tea is consumed twice daily, once in the morning and then once in the evening. It is recommended that you avoid foods high in sugar, carbohydrates and excessive fried foods while on the remedy.
Potential side effects haven’t been documented, as the safety of long-term use or potential interactions with other medications is not well-studied, as such, caution is advised.
“There have been no controlled clinical trials with the use of this herb and so you should consult your doctor before consuming the tea, especially if you have underlying medical problems,” Dr Mitchell said. “It is important to determine the specific underlying cause of your inability to conceive instead of consuming the dog blood tea without any evaluation.”
