🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Women have unique physiological characteristics related to menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, all dependent on adequate yin and blood. Deficiency in yin and blood inevitably leads to physiological abnormalities and various disorders. Traditional Chinese medicine holds the theory that “women are fundamentally based on blood.” Thus, the basic principle for women’s tonification is nourishing yin and blood. Although menstrual disorders stem from diverse causes, the most common is qi and blood deficiency, particularly yin-blood insufficiency. Therefore, tonification for menstrual disorders should primarily focus on nourishing yin and blood.
Menstrual Pre-phase:
Refers to menstruation occurring 6–7 days earlier than usual, or even twice per month, also called “early menstruation.” Common in those with qi and blood deficiency: heavy flow, pale red color, thin consistency, fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, a sensation of emptiness in the lower abdomen, pale complexion, pale tongue, and weak pulse. During winter, double tonification of qi and blood is recommended. After the Winter Solstice, use one black-boned chicken, 9g each of angelica root, astragalus, and poria. Clean the chicken, place the herbs inside the cavity, sew shut, then boil in a clay pot until tender. Remove herb residue, season, and consume both meat and broth in two portions. Take one dose daily before menstruation, 3–5 doses per cycle.
Menstrual Post-phase:
Refers to menstruation consistently delayed by 6–7 days or more, or occurring every 40–50 days, also called “late menstruation.” Common in blood deficiency: delayed menstruation, reduced volume, pale color, dull lower abdominal pain, weakness, pale face, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, poor sleep, sore limbs, dry skin, pale tongue with little coating, and fine, weak pulse. During winter, tonify blood and regulate menstruation. Use 500g lamb, 25g each of astragalus, codonopsis, and angelica root, and 50g ginger. Wash and cut lamb and ginger into chunks. Wrap herbs in cloth, add to a clay pot with sufficient water. Boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 2 hours. Remove herb residue, season, and consume. Take once daily after menstruation during winter, for 3–5 consecutive days.
Excessive Menstrual Flow:
Refers to abnormally heavy and prolonged menstruation. Common in qi deficiency: pale red flow, thin consistency, lower abdominal emptiness, fatigue, pallor, palpitations, restlessness, pale tongue, thin white coating, and soft, weak pulse. Treat by tonifying qi to arrest bleeding and strengthening spleen and calming heart. Use one old hen, 10g astragalus, 15g mugwort. Clean the hen, cut into pieces, and steam or boil with astragalus and mugwort (wrapped in cloth). Consume in 2–3 portions. Take 2–3 doses continuously during menstruation in winter.
Insufficient Menstrual Flow:
Refers to very light flow lasting only 1–2 days or stopping abruptly, pale red color, pale complexion, dry skin, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, insomnia, lower abdominal emptiness, cold extremities, pale tongue, and fine, weak pulse—commonly seen in blood deficiency. Treat by tonifying qi and nourishing blood to support Chong and Ren meridians. Use 9–15g dried chicken blood vine, 10 jujubes, and 200g lean pork. Stew and consume. Take daily for 5 days before each menstruation in winter.
Menopause:
Refers to cessation of menstruation, pale or sallow complexion, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, shortness of breath, restlessness, insomnia, weakness in limbs, pale tongue, and deep, fine, weak pulse. Treat by tonifying both qi and blood, nourishing blood, and unblocking menstruation. Use one inkfish (squid), about 200–300g, and 6g peach kernel. Clean and cut the inkfish into pieces, cook together with peach kernels, and eat the fish while drinking the soup. Take once daily, 5–6 days monthly. Alternatively, use 30g astragalus, 30g goji berries, and one young pigeon. Clean the pigeon, wrap astragalus in cloth, combine with goji berries, place in a steamer with sufficient water, steam until cooked. Season, drink the broth, and eat the pigeon meat. Take every other day, 4–5 times monthly during winter.