Slow Flow by Vitanica

If you’re looking for a supplement for heavy periods, this formula is built for cyclical heavy menstrual bleeding and those longer, flood-like days. It’s practical if you’re waiting on evaluation for fibroids or a copper IUD and need short-term control. Track your Ferritin (iron storage) and a CBC, since persistent heavy flow often leads to low iron. If bleeding is new, very heavy, or irregular between cycles, get checked first to rule out medical causes.

Vitamin K1 (the vitamin your liver uses to activate clotting factors) and vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids (plant compounds that strengthen tiny blood vessels) aim to reduce brisk bleeding at the source. Ginger (an anti-inflammatory rhizome that can also calm nausea) helps with period discomfort. Yarrow, shepherd’s purse, and cranesbill are classic astringent uterine herbs, meaning they gently tighten tissues and blood vessels. Together, they’re used to steady flow within the first cycle.

For acute heavy days, take three capsules every 3–4 hours during waking hours until the flow settles, typically within 24–48 hours. For ongoing management, up to six capsules per day is the longer-term ceiling. Take with food to reduce stomach upset; ginger usually helps here. Start on day 1 of bleeding. If you also need to replete iron, pair with an iron supplement and recheck Ferritin within 4 to 12 weeks.

Skip this if you’re on warfarin or other vitamin K–antagonist blood thinners, since vitamin K1 opposes their effect. Avoid in pregnancy or if trying to conceive this cycle, given uterine-acting herbs and the added vitamin A. If you have a known bleeding disorder, unexplained postmenopausal bleeding, sudden heavy mid-cycle bleeding, or need more than 2 pads/tampons per hour for several hours, seek medical care promptly.