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Many women’s health issues that are common in America are rare in Asia. Painful menses, PMS, irregular periods, endometriosis, infertility, and gynecological cancers happen far less often in Asia then they do in the West.
The reasons for this might include genetics, diet, or cultural habits. But whatever the reason, the fact is that Chinese herbal therapies are the first choice for many Asian women.
TCM & Women's Health
Herbs, acupuncture, and massage have proven themselves effective for many women's medical issues by centuries of daily practice. These therapies are also safer and cheaper than Western medicine. But the most important reason is that these natural therapies often promote health improvements that extend beyond the symptoms they treat. Below are a few herbal products that are often used.
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BA ZHEN WAN (EIGHT TREASURES)
First published in the Zheng Ti Lei Yao (Catalogued Essentials for Correcting the Body) by Dr. Bi Lai Zhai in the year 1529.
This formula is used to maintain and improve the nourishing flows of Blood and Qi. The flows of fluids and of energy are inseparable. As the saying goes, "The Qi Moves the Blood, and the Blood is Mother to the Qi"
When Blood and Qi are weak, the body goes hungry regardless of diet.
Woman’s Precious Pill is used alone as a daily supplement to boost and maintain Blood and Qi. Eight Treasures is combined with other herbs and formulas when used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, depression, insomnia, irregular menses, and infertility that arise because of Qi or Blood deficiencies.
Though it is often recommended throughout pregnancy and nursing, women who are pregnant or nursing should always consult a health practitioner before taking any medicine or supplement.
Safety and Side Effects:
Like most Chinese herbal tonics (strengtheners), discontinue during cold and flu.
Eight Treasures Ingredients
Dang Gui also known as Tang Kwei,
Strengthens Blood, Invigorates Blood, Harmonizes Blood, Regulates Menses
White Peony Root also known as Bai Shao , Paeonia Lactiflora
Nourishes the Blood, Pacifies the Liver, Retains the Yin
Chinese Foxglove Root also known as Shu Di Huang , Rehmannia Glutinosa Radix
Tonifies the Blood, Tonifies the Heart, Liver & Kidneys
Szechuan Lovage Root also known as Chuan Xiong , Ligustici Wallichii
Invigorates the Blood, Promotes the Circulation of Qi(energy), Expels Wind
Poor Man’s Ginseng also known as Dang Shen, Codonopsis Radix
Benefits the Qi, Nourishes Fluids, Strengthens the Lungs and Digestive Organs
Atractylodes Macrocephala, Bai Zhu , Benefits the Qi(energy), Tonifies the Spleen, Dries Dampness
Hoelen Fungus, Fu Ling, also known as China-root, Poria Cocos, Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, Leeches out Dampness, Strengthens Digestion, Harmonizes the Middle Burner, Calms the Spirit, Improves the performance of other tonifying herbs
Licorice root baked with honey also known as Zhi Gan Cao, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis radix, Tonifies the Spleen, Benefits the Qi, Detoxifies Fire Poisons, Moderates and Harmonizes other herbs, Improves the performance of other tonifying herbs.
ER XIAN WAN (TWO IMMORTALS PILL)
Use for complaints associated with menopause such as fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, day or night sweats, insomnia.
Replenishes Kidney Yang, Yin, and Blood, Clears Deficiency Heat.
SOURCE:
Shuguan Hospital, Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine, Mid-Twentieth Century origin. The name Two Immortals (Er Xian) comes from 2 of the chief herbs in the formula, Xian Mao (Curculigo) and Xian Ling Pi (Epemidi).
SERVING:
Take as a daily supplement for periods of 1 week to 6 months.
SUGGESTIONS:
Benefits are usually seen after 1 – 5 weeks. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider.
As with most Chinese herbal tonics, Two Immortals Pills should not be taken while ill with cold or flu. Herbal strengtheners such as this are thought to prolong such illnesses. Wait until the cold or flu has passed before resuming course of treatment.
NOTES:
The formula contains no estrogen or other hormones, and possibly achieves its effect by using yin and yang builders to help normalize hormone production.
Two Immortals Ingredients:
Morinda Root, also known as Bai Ji Tan or Radix Morinda Officianalis
Tonifies the Kidneys, Fortifies the Yang, Strengthens the Sinews and Bones
Licentious Goat Wort, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Herba Epimedi
Stimulates Hormone Production, Tonifies the Yin, Fortifies the Yang, Expels Dampness
Golden Eye Grass, also known as Xian Mao or Rhizoma Curculinginis Orchioidis
Tonifies the Kidneys, Expels Dampness
Amur Cork Bark, also known as Huang Bai or Cortex Phellodendri
Drains Damp Heat, Quells Kidney Fire, Detoxifies Fire Poisons
Anemarrhena, also known as Zhi Mu or Radix Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis
Quells Fire, Nurtures Yin, Moistens Dryness, Clears Deficiency Heat.
*Oyster Shell, also known as Mu Li or Concha Ostreae (Shen Brand Only)
Calms the Spirit, Benefits the Yin, Restrains Rising Yang, Restrains Sweating
Dang Gui, also known as Tang Kwei or Radix Radix Angelica Sinensis
Tonifies the Blood, Invigorates and Harmonizes the Blood
*used in the Dr. Shen version
XIAO YAO SAN (FREE & EASY)
(aka Rambling Powder)
Relieves Liver Qi Stagnation. Used to relieve depression, PMS and stress-related complaints
First published in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping era (1078-1085 AD).
Free & Easy Pill Ingredients:
Hare’s Ear Root – Bupleurum Rx: Chai Hu
Relaxes Constrained Qi, Releases Exterior,
White Peony Root – Paeonia Rx- Bai Shao
Pacifies the Liver, Nourishes Blood
Tang Gui Root – Angelica Rx: Dang Gui
Harmonizes the Blood, Tonifies Blood
Hoelin Fungus – Poria Cocos Sclerotum – Fu Ling
Quiets the Heart, Calms the Spirit, Harmonizes the Middle, Strengthens Spleen
White Atractylodis – Atractylodis Rx – Bai Zhu
Benefits the Qi, Stabilizes the Exterior, Strengthens the Spleen, Dries Dampness
Ginger – Zinzeberis Rx: Sheng Jiang
Releases the Exterior, Disperses Cold, Adjusts the Nutritive and Protective
Chinese Licorice Root – Glycyrrhizae Rx – Gan Cao
Harmonizes other Herbs, Clears Heat, Detoxifies Fire Poison, Benefits the Qi
Mint Leaf – Mentha Folium – Bo He
Frees Constrained Qi, Clears the Head and Eyes, Disperses Wind-Heat
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or another medical professional. No claims are made as to efficacy or safety of herbs or herbal medicine appearing on this site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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