Caryophyllaceae
Cowherb
Vaccaria hispanica
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia (naturalized globally)
Also known as: Cow Cockle, Springwort, Cow Herb, Pink Cockle
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Seed
Therapeutic Uses
Insufficient breast milk (galactagogue — traditional Chinese medicine, Wang Bu Liu Xing), menstrual irregularities, swollen lymph nodes, mastitis. Central herb in TCM lactation formulas.
Herbal Actions
Galactagogue, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant
Active Constituents
Triterpenoid saponins (vaccarosides), flavonoids, phytosterols, coumarins
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 6–9g seeds simmered 20 min in 250ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Combine with fenugreek and blessed thistle for comprehensive lactation support. Traditional acupressure seeds taped to ear points (Wang Bu Liu Xing) for various conditions. Limited Western research but strong TCM clinical tradition. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (emmenagogue, uterotonic). Avoid in mastitis/breast infections — requires proper treatment. Use with professional guidance.
Side Effects: GI upset. Emmenagogue effects. Generally safe in lactating mothers at therapeutic doses.