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.
Thick menstrual blood 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 thick menstrual blood 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 thick menstrual blood is often associated with scanty periods, dizziness and late period in the pattern “Phlegm”. As you will see below, we have in record five patterns that can cause thick menstrual blood.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of thick menstrual blood 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 thick menstrual blood.
The five "patterns of disharmony" that can cause thick menstrual blood
In Chinese Medicine thick menstrual blood 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.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Er Chen Tang, a formula used for Phlegm
Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Thick coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
The concept of Phlegm is much wider and important in Chinese Medicine than in the West. Broadly speaking, Phlegm is a substance produced when the body fails to handle Body Fluids properly.
In addition to thick menstrual blood, other symptoms associated with Phlegm include scanty periods, dizziness and late period.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Phlegm is associated with health issues such as Low Breast Milk Supply, Late Menstruation or Scanty Menstruation.
Phlegm is often treated with Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Er Chen Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm".
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) is the king ingredient for Xiao Yao San, a formula used for Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Red sides
Qi Stagnation refers to Qi becoming stuck or stagnant, a bit like a traffic jam on the freeway. This restricted flow of Qi can be body-wide or happen in any specific Organ.
In addition to thick menstrual blood, other symptoms associated with Qi Stagnation include scanty periods, late period and abdominal pain.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Qi Stagnation is associated with health issues such as Late Menstruation.
Qi Stagnation is often treated with Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 6 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize liver-spleen", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen".
Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) is the king ingredient for Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, a formula used for Heat in the Blood
Heat in the Blood
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu)
Tongue color: Red
Heat in the Blood (or Blood-Heat) refers to a condition whereby Heat, as a so-called "Pernicious Influence", entered the Blood. This invasion tends to accelerate Blood flow (leading to a faster pulse) and to manifest itself in various types of bleeding as well as other symptoms.
In addition to thick menstrual blood, other symptoms associated with Heat in the Blood include scanty periods, dizziness and thin and watery periods.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Heat in the Blood is associated with health issues such as Early Menstruation, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding or Heavy Menstruation.
Heat in the Blood is often treated with Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, a herbal formula made of 4 herbs (including Water Buffalo Horns - Shui Niu Jiao - as a key herb). Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system".
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo), Floating (Fu)
Tongue color: Pale, Red
In addition to thick menstrual blood, other symptoms associated with Kidney Deficiency include dizziness, late period and thin and watery periods.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Kidney Deficiency is associated with health issues such as Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
Kidney Deficiency is often treated with You Gui Wan, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Prepared Aconite - Zhi Fu Zi - as a key herb). You Gui Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that warm yang and tonify", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang".
Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) is the king ingredient for Er Miao San, a formula used for Damp-Heat
Damp-Heat
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red
In addition to thick menstrual blood, other symptoms associated with Damp-Heat include dizziness, late period 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 Er Miao San, a herbal formula made of 2 herbs (including Phellodendron Bark - Huang Bo - as a key herb). Er Miao San belongs to the category of "formulas that expel dampness", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner".
Five herbal formulas that might help with thick menstrual blood
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Source date: 1575 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Resolves Damp-Phlegm. Nourishes Blood.
Why might Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang help with thick menstrual blood?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm' of which thick menstrual blood is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Phlegm can contribute to many health issues, including Late Menstruation.
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 thick menstrual blood?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Stagnation' of which thick menstrual blood is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Qi Stagnation can contribute to many health issues, including Late Menstruation.
Qing Jing San
Why might Qing Jing San help with thick menstrual blood?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Heat in the Blood' of which thick menstrual blood is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Heat in the Blood can contribute to many health issues, including Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
Liang Di Tang
Source date: 1826 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Nourishes Yin. Cools Blood. Stop bleeding.
Why might Liang Di Tang help with thick menstrual blood?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Deficiency' of which thick menstrual blood is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Kidney Deficiency can contribute to many health issues, including Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Source date: 1576 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Expel Dampness. Relieve pain. Move Qi and Blood.
Why might Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang help with thick menstrual blood?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Damp-Heat' of which thick menstrual blood is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Damp-Heat can contribute to many health issues, including Menstrual Cramps.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat thick menstrual blood
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with thick menstrual blood?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat thick menstrual blood as a symptom, like Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Liver.
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 White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with thick menstrual blood?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat thick menstrual blood as a symptom, like Qing Jing San or Xiao Yao San for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Spleen and the Liver.
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 Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with thick menstrual blood?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat thick menstrual blood as a symptom, like Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang or Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach, the Heart and the Lung.
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 thick menstrual blood?
Because Unprepared Rehmannia is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat thick menstrual blood 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.
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with thick menstrual blood?
Because Poria-Cocos Mushroom is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat thick menstrual blood as a symptom, like Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Conditions associated with thick menstrual blood
Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy menstruation Late menstruation Menstrual cramps
Other symptoms often associated with thick menstrual blood
Scanty periods Dizziness Late period Thin and watery periods Restlessness Sore back Dark clots in menstrual blood Lower abdominal pain Feeling of heat Palpitations