Dark Menstrual Clots in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dark menstrual clots patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Dark menstrual clots are a common symptom during menstruation, characterized by the presence of dark, thickened blood clots in menstrual flow. This condition often indicates a more substantial or textured menstrual bleeding than usual. While some clotting is normal, particularly on heavier days, the presence of dark clots may be noteworthy, especially if accompanied by other changes in menstrual patterns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets dark menstrual clots through a lens of holistic balance and energy flow within the body. TCM suggests that these clots may be indicative of underlying imbalances or blockages in the body's natural energy flow, known as Qi. Understanding these signs is critical in TCM, as it focuses on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Dark Menstrual Clots
Blood Stasis
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Blood Stagnation
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps
Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Dark menstrual clots, Lower abdominal pain released afer passing clots
Liver Blood Stagnation
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis
Cold
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Cold in the Uterus
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Dark menstrual clots, Lower abdominal pain released afer passing clots
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Uterine hypoplasia, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometriosis
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Dark menstrual clots, Lower abdominal pain released afer passing clots
Loss of Blood
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood, Dark menstrual clots, Excessive menstruation, Bloody sputum
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Dark menstrual clots, Lower abdominal pain released afer passing clots
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Heat
Causes: Dark clots in menstrual blood
Heat in the Blood
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Herbal Formulas for Dark Menstrual Clots
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dark menstrual clots
Zhen Ling Dan
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Stabilizes uterine bleeding
- Clears Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Dark menstrual clots, Lower abdominal pain released afer passing clots
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps...
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood and regulates the Liver
- Moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen
- Stops pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Blood Stasis
- Softens lumps
- Reduces fixed abdominal pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Dan Shen Yin
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Promote Qi movement
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Jin Ling Zi San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Liver Blood and Liver Qi
- Drains Liver Heat or Fire
- Stops pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Unblocks painful obstruction
- Relieves pain
- Invigorate Qi
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Unblock Channels
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Qi Li San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Invigorates Qi
- Reduces swelling and pain
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Guo Qi Yin
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the menses
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Supports Kidney Yang
- Supplies Spleen Qi
- Expels Cold and Dampness from the Uterus
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Qing Jing San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Blood-Heat
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Loss of Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood...
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines
- Reduces swelling and disperses lumps
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Da Ying Jian
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Expels Cold
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Di Dang Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
- Generates new Blood
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Liang Di Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Cools Blood
- Stop bleeding
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Di Gu Pi Yin
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Disperses swelling
- Dispels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Zhu Yu Zhi Xue Tang
Addresses these dark menstrual clots patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Dark Menstrual Clots Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Dark clots in menstrual blood
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...