Purplish Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

What is Purplish Menstrual Blood?

Purplish menstrual blood is a term used to describe menstrual blood that appears dark red to reddish-purple in color, deviating from the typical bright red shade often associated with healthy menstruation. This change in color can be indicative of underlying health conditions and is a significant observation in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The term encompasses variations such as dark red menstrual blood and reddish-purple menstruation, emphasizing the distinctive coloration that differs from the norm.

How does TCM view Purplish Menstrual Blood?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, purplish menstrual blood is not just a symptom, but a clue to deeper imbalances within the body. TCM interprets this symptom through the lens of holistic health, considering it a manifestation of internal disharmonies in energy (Qi), Blood, and bodily systems.

According to TCM, the purplish hue of menstrual blood is often associated with specific patterns of disharmony, and treatment is focused on correcting these underlying imbalances rather than merely addressing the symptom itself.

Root Causes of Purplish Menstrual Blood in TCM

In TCM, one primary cause of purplish menstrual blood is identified as Heat, particularly the pattern of Damp-Heat. This pattern is characterized by symptoms like fever, neck gland swelling, headaches, a tight feeling in the chest and stomach, a sticky taste in the mouth, and an absence of thirst. It indicates an imbalance where Heat and Dampness accumulate in the body, affecting the nature of menstrual blood.

Explore below more details about what might cause Purplish menstrual blood according to TCM.

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 Purplish Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat	Purplish 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 Purplish Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat	Purplish 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 Purplish Menstrual Blood

For the Damp-Heat pattern, TCM recommends formulas like Er Miao San and Xiao Yao San. These formulas contain herbs such as Phellodendron bark and Bupleurum Roots, known for their properties to clear Heat and dry Dampness, and to harmonize the Liver and Spleen.

In cases of Qi and Blood Stagnation, formulas like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang and Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang are used. They include herbs such as Peach Kernels and Angelica Sinensis, which are effective in invigorating the Blood and removing stagnation, thereby normalizing the color and flow of menstrual blood. These treatments exemplify TCM's approach to restoring balance and harmony in the body's systems, aligning with its holistic perspective on health and wellness.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address purplish menstrual blood, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Er Miao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause purplish menstrual blood, such as Damp-Heat

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Purplish 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 purplish menstrual blood, such as Damp-Heat

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Purplish 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

TCM Herbs for Purplish Menstrual Blood

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address purplish menstrual blood, organized by herb category.