Menopausal Hot Flashesaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Menopausal Disorders
Parent symptom: Menopausal Symptoms
What is Menopausal Hot Flashes?
Menopausal hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often intense, that can spread throughout the body but are most commonly felt in the face, neck, and chest. These episodes can lead to sweating, redness of the skin, and, in some cases, chills. Hot flashes are a hallmark symptom of menopause, the period marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. These flashes can vary in frequency and intensity and may be accompanied by night sweats, impacting sleep quality and overall well-being.
How does TCM View Menopausal Hot Flashes?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, understanding "what is pattern" is fundamental to treating any symptom, including menopausal hot flashes. A pattern is a comprehensive diagnosis of a patient's overall health condition, identifying the unique imbalance causing their symptoms.
Recognizing the specific pattern—be it Kidney Yin Deficiency or Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys—is essential. This diagnosis guides practitioners in tailoring a personalized treatment strategy, ensuring that interventions target the root cause of symptoms rather than just alleviating the symptoms themselves.
Root Causes of Menopausal Hot Flashes in TCM
TCM attributes menopausal hot flashes primarily to Kidney Yin Deficiency, a condition where the cooling, moistening aspects of the body's energy become depleted, leading to an excess of heat. Symptoms include night sweats, a red flushed face, and a sensation of heat in the palms, soles, and chest.
A secondary cause can be the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys, where the communication between water (Kidney) and fire (Heart) elements within the body is disrupted, leading to heat signs. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin, cooling the body, and restoring balance between the Heart and Kidneys.
Explore below more details about what might cause Menopausal hot flashes according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Kidney
- Liver
- Heart
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
Common Symptoms: Tinnitus Dizziness Night Sweats Dry Throat Menopausal Symptoms Back Pain Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Menopausal hot flushes, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
| Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang | Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Perspiration, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations... see more | Er Xian Tang | Er Zhi Wan |
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
Common Symptoms: Menopausal Symptoms Hypertension Irregular Periods Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Depression Frequent Urination Chronic Glomerulonephritis
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Hot flushes, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | You Gui Wan |
| Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang | Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Perspiration, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations... see more | Er Xian Tang | Er Zhi Wan |
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Hot flushes, 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... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan |
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Hot flushes, 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... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan |
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 Menopausal Hot Flashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Tinnitus Dizziness Night Sweats Menopausal Symptoms Back Pain Constipation Infertility
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Menopausal hot flushes, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Hot flushes, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | You Gui Wan |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys | Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Menopausal Hot Flashes
To combat Kidney Yin Deficiency, TCM recommends herbal formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan, which nourish and replenish the Kidney Yin, providing relief from the intense heat. For addressing the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan can be beneficial, focusing on calming the mind and cooling the Heart fire.
Additionally, lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes, incorporating cooling foods and adequate hydration, can support these treatments. Acupuncture is another vital component, targeting specific points that enhance the treatment's efficacy by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, further alleviating the symptoms of menopausal hot flashes.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address menopausal hot flashes, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Heat
- View More Causes
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause menopausal hot flashes, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Er Xian Tang | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Yin | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys |
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Er Xian Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause menopausal hot flashes, such as Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Xian Tang | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| You Gui Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause menopausal hot flashes, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause menopausal hot flashes, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Heat:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause menopausal hot flashes, such as Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some menopausal hot flashes-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Yin | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some menopausal hot flashes-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some menopausal hot flashes-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Er Xian Tang | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some menopausal hot flashes-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some menopausal hot flashes-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Menopausal Hot Flashes
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address menopausal hot flashes, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Er Xian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) | Er Xian Tang |
| Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) | Er Xian Tang |
| Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) | You Gui Wan |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wen Jing Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Er Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Er Zhi Wan |
| Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) | Er Zhi Wan |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Menopausal hot flashes 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 menopausal hot flashes, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Menopausal hot flashes 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Wen Jing Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Menopausal hot flashes can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for menopausal hot flashes, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.