Traditional Indications

Pulsatilla is an analgesic, alterative, antispasmodic, bactericidal, central nervous system depressant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, ophthalmic and sedative. Pulsatilla is taken internally in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, inflammations of the reproductive organs, tension headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, hyperactivity, bacterial skin infections, septicaemia, spasmodic coughs in asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis. It is indicated for dysmenorrhoea with scanty menses, orchitis, ovaralgia, epididymitis, tension headache, hyperactive states, insomnia, boils, skin eruptions associated with bacterial infection. This herb is particularly applicable to women, and is of value in neuralgia, headache and nervous exhaustion, particularly premenstrually or during the menopause. It is a specific remedy for pain and inflammation of the reproductive system, especially when this is associated with poor flow. It alleviates menstrual cramps, especially when accompanied by anxiety or irritability. Pulsatilla will help insomnia and general over-activity. It is applicable to inflammation and infection of both male and female reproductive organs and tissues. (1) In Traditional Chinese Medicine Wind flower is called Bái Tóu Wēn 白頭翁.

Pharmacognocy

A review into 11 Heat clearing herbs including Pulsatilla Radix (白頭翁 Bái Tóu Wēn) found that Pulsatilla displayed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. (2)

Herbal therapy including including Pulsatilla vulgaris is equivalent to Rifaximin for the treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). (3)

1. PFAF. Pulsatilla vulgaris 2019.
2. Muluye RA, Bian Y, Alemu PN. Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Heat-Clearing Chinese Herbs: A Current Review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2014;4(2):93-8.
3. Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, Roland BC, Dunbar KB, Koh J, et al. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Global advances in health and medicine. 2014;3(3):16-24.