Traditional Chinese medicine and women’s health

In TCM, the healthy flow of both Qi (life force energy) and blood around the body are considered integral to the health of a woman’s menstrual cycle. When the free circulation of Qi or blood is compromised, women may experience menstrual cycle fluctuations, period pain, and/or PMT symptoms.

According to Chinese medicine philosophy, nourishing the blood during the first half of the cycle is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle. In the second phase of the cycle toward menstruation, moving Qi (especially from the liver) and blood is important to help with PMT symptoms.

Dong quai: traditionally taken to balance a healthy menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual pain in TCM 

Oriental Botanicals Women’s Qi features dong quai, which is traditionally taken to replenish the blood and consequently to regulate the menstrual cycle in TCM.

In addition, dong quai is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve period pain because of its blood nourishing qualities, and along with bupleurum, is also traditionally used in TCM to reduce symptoms of PMT.

Peony: traditionally used to relieve irregular periods and ease period pain in TCM

Peony is included in Women’s Qi for its traditional use for nourishing liver blood in TCM. In Chinese medicine, peony is also traditionally used to ease menstrual pain.

Peony, alongside bupleurum, is traditionally taken in Chinese medicine to relieve irregular periods.

Cyperus: traditionally used to relieve period pain and PMT symptoms in Chinese medicine

In TCM, the herb cyperus is traditionally used to ease menstrual pain, and Chinese licorice is traditionally taken for the relief of both pain and spasms.

In Chinese medicine, the liver meridian is considered responsible for healthy circulation of Qi. When the liver Qi becomes blocked, or stagnant, symptoms such as PMT can occur.

Cyperus is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for restoring the flow of stagnant liver Qi, relieving PMT symptoms such as breast tenderness. 

Cyperus also relieves irritability associated with PMT, based on its traditional use in the Indian herbal medicine called Ayurvedic medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years.