Intense period pain according to Chinese Medicine
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.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat intense period pain
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with intense period pain?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat intense period pain as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Tao Hong Si Wu 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 Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with intense period pain?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat intense period pain as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang 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 Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with intense period pain?
Because Szechuan Lovage Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat intense period pain as a symptom, like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang or Tao Hong Si Wu Tang for instance.
Szechuan Lovage Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with intense period pain?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat intense period pain as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Tao Hong Si Wu 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 Peach Kernel (Tao Ren) help with intense period pain?
Because Peach Kernel is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat intense period pain as a symptom, like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang or Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang for instance.
Peach Kernels is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Large intestine and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing.
Other symptoms often associated with intense period pain
Scanty periods Lower abdominal pain Sore back Dizziness Dark clots in menstrual blood Dark menstrual blood Restlessness Pale face Feeling of heat Sore and weak limbs