Small Clots In Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Abnormal Menstrual Flow, Texture or Color
Parent symptom: Clots In Blood
What is Small Clots in Menstrual Blood?
Small clots in menstrual blood refer to the presence of tiny, often minute, blood clots that appear during menstruation. These clots are generally small in size and may be noticed amidst the menstrual flow.
While it's common to have some clots during menstruation, particularly on heavier days, the appearance of small clots can sometimes indicate underlying health concerns. Understanding their nature and cause is crucial for addressing any potential health issues.
How does TCM View Small Clots in Menstrual Blood?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches small clots in menstrual blood as a sign of potential imbalance within the body's systems. In TCM, the menstrual cycle is closely linked to the flow and balance of Qi (energy) and Blood within the body. Small clots are often seen as an indication of stagnation or disruption in this flow, reflecting an underlying disharmony that TCM aims to rectify through various treatments and practices.
Root Causes of Small Clots In Menstrual Blood in TCM
In TCM, small clots in menstrual blood are often associated with patterns of Heat, particularly Damp-Heat. This condition suggests an excess of Heat in the body, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including the formation of clots.
Dampness in TCM refers to a condition of excessive moisture in the body, which can combine with Heat to create a sticky, clotting environment in the menstrual blood. Another common TCM pattern associated with small clots is Qi stagnation, where the life force or energy within the body is not moving freely, leading to clot formation.
Explore below more details about what might cause Small clots in menstrual blood according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Heat
- Dampness
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Small Clots In Menstrual Blood
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Small clots in menstrual blood, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling hot, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Small Clots In Menstrual Blood
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Small clots in menstrual blood, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling hot, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Small Clots In Menstrual Blood
For addressing small clots in menstrual blood, TCM recommends specific herbal formulas based on the underlying patterns. For Damp-Heat, Er Miao San, which includes Phellodendron bark, is commonly used to clear Heat and dry Dampness.
In cases of Qi stagnation, Xiao Yao San, containing Bupleurum Roots, is often prescribed to release exterior conditions and harmonize the liver and spleen. These formulas are tailored to individual needs, ensuring a targeted approach to restoring balance and alleviating symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address small clots in menstrual blood, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
Top Formula for Heat:
Er Miao San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause small clots in menstrual blood, such as Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Small Clots In Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Miao San | Damp-Heat |
| Xiao Yao San | Damp-Heat |
| Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang | Damp-Heat |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Er Miao San
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause small clots in menstrual blood, such as Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Small Clots In Menstrual Blood Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Miao San | Damp-Heat |
| Xiao Yao San | Damp-Heat |
| Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang | Damp-Heat |
Formulas that expel Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some small clots in menstrual blood-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Er Miao San, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some small clots in menstrual blood-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some small clots in menstrual blood-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang, with mudan peony bark as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Small Clots In Menstrual Blood
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address small clots in menstrual blood, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that cool the Blood
Small clots in menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for small clots in menstrual blood, like Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for small clots in menstrual blood
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Small clots in menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for small clots in menstrual blood, like Er Miao San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Small clots in menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for small clots in menstrual blood, like Xiao Yao San.