Indications
Habb-e-Mudir is a classical Unani compound pill (habb means pill, mudir means one that promotes flow). It is made from a mixture of herbs and is traditionally used to bring on or regulate the menstrual period in women with delayed, scanty or irregular periods, and for period pain linked to scanty flow. In Unani medicine it is described as an emmenagogue (a medicine that promotes menstrual flow) and is sometimes also used to increase urine flow. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited.
How It Works
The herbs in this formula are believed in Unani medicine to warm the body, stimulate the womb and its blood supply, and help the lining of the womb shed. Some of these herbs can cause the muscle of the womb to contract. How the whole preparation works in the body has not been properly studied.
Dosage and Administration
Take only as directed on the label or by a registered Unani practitioner. It is usually taken for a few days before the expected date of the period, with water. Before taking it, make sure you are not pregnant; if your period is late, do a pregnancy test first. Do not exceed the stated dose.
Interactions
- Hormonal medicines, including birth control pills and fertility treatment: effects are not known; ask a doctor.
- Blood thinners such as Warfarin, Aspirin or Clopidogrel: some herbs that promote menstrual flow may increase bleeding.
- Diuretics (water tablets): possible added effect on urine flow.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy: this product can cause miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
- Bleeding disorders.
- Girls before their periods have started, and children.
- Allergy to any ingredient.
Side Effects
Possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, a feeling of heat, cramping in the lower abdomen and heavier bleeding than usual.
Get urgent medical help if you have very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour), severe lower abdominal pain, fainting or dizziness, fever, or pain on one side of the lower abdomen with a missed period, which may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Also seek help for signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, because it may cause miscarriage or harm the baby. Do not use while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- A late or missed period may be due to pregnancy, stress, weight change, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome or other conditions; see a doctor if periods are often irregular or stop for three months or more.
- This product must never be used to end a pregnancy; doing so can be dangerous.
- Use only registered products from a reliable source.
Overdose
Taking too much may cause heavy bleeding, severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. Seek medical help immediately and take the pack with you to the hospital.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal preparation (emmenagogue).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.