The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
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Contents
Excessive menstrual discharge can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like excessive menstrual discharge here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here excessive menstrual discharge is often associated with dizziness, feeling of heat and restlessness in the pattern “Damp-Heat”. As you will see below, we have in record five patterns that can cause excessive menstrual discharge.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of excessive menstrual discharge we’ve identified five herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat excessive menstrual discharge.
The five "patterns of disharmony" that can cause excessive menstrual discharge
In Chinese Medicine excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom for 5 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Korean Mint (Huo Xiang) is the king ingredient for Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, a formula used for Damp-Heat
Damp-Heat
Pulse type(s): Soggy (Ru)
In addition to excessive menstrual discharge, other symptoms associated with Damp-Heat include dizziness, feeling of heat and restlessness.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Damp-Heat is associated with health issues such as Menstrual Cramps, Intermenstrual Bleeding or Abnormal Vaginal Discharge.
Damp-Heat is often treated with Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, a herbal formula made of 11 herbs (including Korean Mint - Huo Xiang - as a key herb). Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San belongs to the category of "formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Releases the Exterior".
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) is the king ingredient for Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, a formula used for Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Deep (Chen), Fine (Xi)
In addition to excessive menstrual discharge, other symptoms associated with Qi And Blood Stagnation include dizziness, scanty periods and irritability.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Qi And Blood Stagnation is associated with health issues such as Menstrual Cramps, Absence Of Menstruation or Menopausal Syndrome.
Qi And Blood Stagnation is often treated with Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, a herbal formula made of 11 herbs (including Peach Kernels - Tao Ren - as a key herb). Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Invigorates the Blood".
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Yin Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian), Floating (Fu)
Tongue coating: Complete absence of coating
Tongue color: Red points on the sides
This is a type of empty Fire pattern arising out of Liver Blood Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency. It shares similar symptoms as Liver Blood Deficiency, but with extra signs of Dryness and Yin-Deficient Heat. It can be caused by excessive activity, overwork, 'burning the candle at both ends' without sufficient rest, and poor and irregular diet.
In addition to excessive menstrual discharge, other symptoms associated with Liver Yin Deficiency include dizziness, scanty periods and insomnia.
Liver Yin Deficiency is often treated with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Prepared Rehmannia - Shu Di huang - as a key herb). Qi Ju Di Huang Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that nourish yin and tonify", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin".
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Red points on the sides
This pattern develops from Liver Qi Stagnation, which creates excessive amount of Heat and then turn into Liver Fire. The Heat is more intense here.
In addition to excessive menstrual discharge, other symptoms associated with Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire include irritability, red face and feeling of heat.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire is often treated with Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Mudan Peony Bark - Mu Dan Pi - as a key herb). Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that clear liver-heat", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi".
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red
In addition to excessive menstrual discharge, other symptoms associated with Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire include dizziness, irritability and red face.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire is associated with health issues such as Menstrual Cramps or Spontaneous Flow Of Breast Milk.
Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire is often treated with Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including White Peony Roots - Bai Shao - as a key herb). Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Pacifies the Liver".
Five herbal formulas that might help with excessive menstrual discharge
Xiao Yao San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Nourishes the Blood.
Why might Xiao Yao San help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Damp-Heat' of which excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Damp-Heat can contribute to many health issues, including Menstrual Cramps.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Source date: Ming dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation. Tonifies Spleen. Clears Deficient Heat. Nourishes the blood.
Why might Jia Wei Xiao Yao San help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi And Blood Stagnation' of which excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Qi And Blood Stagnation can contribute to many health issues, including Menstrual Cramps.
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Source date: 1826 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Pacifies the Liver. Removes Stagnation. Drains Fire. Unblocks the Meridians.
Why might Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire' of which excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Stagnant Liver-Qi turning into Fire can contribute to many health issues, including Menstrual Cramps.
Bu Gan Tang
Source date: 1742 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and regulates the Blood. Nourishes the Liver Yin.
Why might Bu Gan Tang help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Yin Deficiency' of which excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Liver Yin Deficiency include dizziness, scanty periods and insomnia.
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Source date: 2002 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi.
Why might Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire' of which excessive menstrual discharge is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Stagnant Liver Qi Turning Into Fire include irritability, red face and feeling of heat.
Acupuncture points used for excessive menstrual discharge
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat excessive menstrual discharge
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat excessive menstrual discharge as a symptom, like Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang or Bu Gan Tang for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat excessive menstrual discharge as a symptom, like Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang or Bu Gan Tang for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation.
Why might Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because Mudan Peony Bark is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat excessive menstrual discharge as a symptom, like Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San or Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang for instance.
Mudan Peony Bark is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Cools the Blood, activates Blood circulation and resolves Blood stasis.
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat excessive menstrual discharge as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Jia Wei Xiao Yao San for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Why might Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) help with excessive menstrual discharge?
Because Unprepared Rehmannia is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat excessive menstrual discharge as a symptom, like Liang Di Tang or Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang for instance.
Unprepared Rehmannia is a Cold herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Expels Heat by Cooling Blood. Tonifies Yin by promoting Fluid production. Soothes the Heart by calming Blazing Fire. Cools and nourishes.
Conditions associated with excessive menstrual discharge
Menstrual cramps Early menstruation Abnormal uterine bleeding
Other symptoms often associated with excessive menstrual discharge
Dizziness Scanty periods Irritability Red face Feeling of heat Pale face Palpitations Restlessness Dark clots in menstrual blood Insomnia