Herbal Prescriptions for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
For the Chinese, syndrome-based prescriptions are one of the most popular healing approaches. The prescriptions are usually recommended to be taken in decocting form, which are characterized by quick absorption, favorable therapeutic outcomes and few toxic side effects. The ingredients in the decoctions can be modified, increased or decreased on a daily basis, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to the patient's changing conditions and needs. Flexibility is one of the main reasons why the decoction method is still being used as the clinical mainstay after thousands of years.
Below listed some herbal prescriptions for the common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
1. Mood Swings
Heart blood deficiency
Therapeutic aims: nourish blood, replenish qi (vital energy), soothe heart and calm spirit.
Sample prescription: Liquorice, Wheat & Jujube Decoction plus Heart Nourishing Decoction
Sample prescription: Liquorice, Wheat & Jujube Decoction plus Heart Nourishing Decoction
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
| Fructus Tritici Levis |
xiao mai
|
Wheat
|
| Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae |
da zao
|
Common jujube fruit
|
| Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae |
dan shen
|
Red sage root
|
| Poria with pini |
fu shen
|
Poria with pine
|
| Semen Ziziphi Spinosae |
suan zao ren
|
sour jujube seed
|
| Semen platycladi |
bai zi ren
|
Chinese arborvitae kernel
|
| Fructus Schisandrae |
wu wai zi
|
Schisandra
|
| Radix Polygalae |
yuan zhi
|
Chinese senega
|
| Medulla junci |
deng xin cao
|
Common rush
|
In the prescription, the liquorice, wheat and jujube fruit nourish the heart and spleen; the red sage root removes stasis; the poria with spine, sour jujube seed, schisandra, arborvitae kernel and Chinese senega enrich blood and nourish heart; the common rush expels heart fire. The whole combination works together to replenish blood and qi, soothe the heart so as to settle the spirit and maintain calmness.
Fire accumulated in Liver Meridian
Therapeutic aims: clear liver, disperse stagnation, purge fire and soothe spirit
Sample prescription: Free and Easy Wanderer Plus
Source: A Synopsis of Internal Medicine (nei ke zhai yao)
Source: A Synopsis of Internal Medicine (nei ke zhai yao)
| Radix Bupleuri |
chai hu
|
Bupleurum root
|
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae |
bai shu
|
Largehead atractylodes rhizome
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata |
zhi gan cao
|
Roasted liquorice root
|
| Crotex Moutan Radicis |
dan pi
|
Peony tree root bark
|
| Fructus Gardeniae |
zhi zi
|
gardenia fruit
|
In the prescription, bupleurum root serves as the monarch herb, which soothes the liver and relieve the stagnation; the angelica root and white peony root assist the monarch herb's work by enriching blood and soothing the liver; the atractylodes rhizome, poria and liquorice fortify spleen to replenish qi; the peony root bark clears away heat in the blood; and the gardenia fruit expels the liver heat. The whole combination regulates the menstrual process by dispersing liver stagnation, fortifying the spleen and harmonizing blood flow.
Phlegm and fire stirring upward
Sample prescription: Warm Gallbladder Decoction
Source: Treatise on Three Causes of Diseases with Syndromes and Remedies (san yin ji yi bing zheng fang lun)
| Rhizoma Pinellae |
ban xia
|
Pinellia tuber
|
| Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam |
zhu ru
|
Bamboo shavings
|
| Fructus Aurantii Immaturus |
zhi shi
|
Immature bitter orange
|
| Citri Grandis Exocarpium |
hua ju hong
|
tomentose pummelo peel
|
| Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens |
sheng jiang
|
Fresh ginger
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
In the prescription, pinellia tuber brings downward the reserved flow of qi in the stomach and dries dampness to resolve phlegm, the herb serves as monarch herb. Bamboo shavings and bitter organ resolve phlegm and promote qi flow, the two herbs act as the minister herbs. Tangerine peel regulate thes movement of qi and dries dampness; poria fortifies the spleen to eliminate dampness and stops further phlegm production, the two act as the assistant herbs. The ginger promotes the spleen and stomach while also counteracts the side effects of pinellia tuber; liquorice serves as buffer, the two act as the guide herbs. The whole combiantion regulates qi, resolve phlegm, clear the gallbladder and harmonize the stomach.
 |
 |
| Liquorice, Wheat & Jujube Decoction | Four Substances Decoction |
2. Breast Tenderness
Liver qi stagnation
Therapeutic aims: soothe liver, regulate qi flow, unblock collaterals and relieve pain.
Sample prescription: Bupleurum Liver Soothing Powder
Source: The Complete Works of Zhang Jingyue (jing yue quan shu)
| Radix Bupleuri |
chai hu
|
Bupleurum root
|
| Pericarpium citri Reticulatae |
chen pi
|
Tangerine peel
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Fructus Aurantii |
zhi ke
|
submature bitter orange
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata |
zhi gan cao
|
Roasted liquorice root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Rhizoma Cyperi |
xiang fu
|
Nutgrass flatsedge rhizome
|
In the prescription, bupleurum root soothes the liver to disperse the stagnation, which serves as the monarch herb. The tangerine peel, bitter orange, Sichuna lovage and nutgrass rhizome activate the qi and blood, which are the minister herbs. The white peony assists to smooth the liver; liquorice roots acts as buffer.
Stomach deficiency and phelgm accumulation
Therapeutic aims: fortify stomach, activate blood, dispel phelgm and relieve pain.
Sample prescription: Four Substances Decoction plus Citrus and Pinellia Decoction (modified)
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Radix Paeoniae Rubra |
chi shao
|
Red peony root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Rhizoma Rehmanniae |
sheng di
|
Rhemannia rhizome
|
| Pericarpium citri Reticulatae |
chen pi
|
Tangerine peel
|
| Rhizoma Pinellae |
ban xia
|
Pinellia tuber
|
| Crotex Moutan Radicis |
dan pi
|
Peony tree root bark
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Sargassum |
hai zao
|
Seaweed
|
| Rhizoma Cyperi |
xiang fu
|
Nutgrass flatsedge rhizome
|
| Flos Carthami |
hong hua
|
Chinese safflower
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
liquorice root
|
In the prescription, the tangerine peel, pinellia tuber and poria fortify the stomach to dispel the phlegm. The angelica root, red peony, lovage and safflower activate the blood, remove stasis and smooth the colleterals; the rhemannia and peony root bark cool the blood and relieve the stagnation. The nutgrass rhizome soothes the liver and regulates the flow of qi; seeweed resolves the accumulation. The whole formula has the effect of fortifying the stomach, dispelling phlegm, activating qi and blood circulation, smoothing the meridian system and resolving accumulations inside the body.
3. Headache
Deficiency of blood and qi
Therapeutic aims: replenish blood and qi (vital energy), nourish orifices and relieve pain.
Sample prescription: Modified Eight Treasures Decoction
Source: A Repertory of Traumatology (zheng ti lei yao)
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Radix Ginseng |
ren shen
|
Ginseng
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae |
bai shu
|
Largehead atractylodes root
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Rhizoma Rehmanniae Praeparatae |
shu di
|
Processed rhemannia root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata |
zhi gan cao
|
Roasted liquorice root
|
In the prescription, angelica root, Sichuan lovage and white peony nourish and harmonize the blood; rhemannia root invigorates and nourish the liver and kidney; the ginseng, atractylodes root and liquroice root fortify the spleen and replenish qi; the poria invigorates the spleen and heart, and also soothes the spirit. The whole combination promotes sufficient blood and qi flowing to the head region and so relieve headache.
Yin deficiency and hyperactive liver
Therapeutic aims: enrich yin, suppress yang, soothe liver and ease pain.
Sample prescription: Six Rehmannia Pills Plus Wolfberry and Chrysanthemum
Source: Medicine Rank (yi ji)
| Rhizoma Rehmanniae Praeparatae |
shu di
|
Processed rhemannia rhizome
|
| Fructus Corni |
shan yu rou
|
Cornus fruit
|
| Rhizoma Dioscoreae |
shan yao
|
Chinese yam
|
| Rhizoma Alismatis |
ze xie
|
Oriental water plantain
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Crotex Moutan Radicis |
dan pi
|
Peony tree root bark
|
| Fructus Lycii |
gou qi zhi
|
Wolfberry fruit
|
| Flos Chrysanthemi |
ju hua
|
Chrysanthemum
|
In the prescription, the rhemannia rhizome acts as the monarch herb, which nourishes kidney yin and replenishes essence to enhance blood production; the cornus fruit nourish liver and kidney; the Chinese yam reinforces spleen functioning; and wolfberry and chrysanthemun enrich blood and soothe the liver. Since all these ingredients are focused on tonification that may lead to unneccssary effects, thus the water plantain is combined for counteracting the unwanted pathogenic factors. The peony bark and cornus fruit clear liver fire. The poria and Chinese yam induce urination and expel dampness. The whole combination invigorates the liver and kidney, clears liver fire and ease headache.
Blood stasis obstruction
Therapeutic aims: activate blood, resolve stasis, smooth collaterals and ease pain.
Sample prescription: Unblock Orifices and Acitivate Blood Decoction
Source: Correction of Errors in Medical Circles (yi lin gai cuo)
| Semen Persicae |
tao ren
|
Peach kernel
|
| Flos Carthami |
hong hua
|
Chinese Safflower
|
| Radix Paeoniae Rubra |
chi shao
|
Red peony root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Bulbus Allii Fistulosi |
lao cong
|
Spring onion
|
| Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens |
sheng jiang
|
Fresh ginger
|
| Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae |
da zao
|
Chinese date
|
| Moschus |
she xiang
|
Musk
|
In the prescription, the peach kernel and safflower are the monarch herbs for activatng blood circulation. The peony, lovage and dates assist to nourish the blood; spring onion, ginger and musk promote qi flowing between the upper and lower body, so as to activate blood circualtion. The whole combination regulates qi and activate blood, so as to unblock the orifices and relieve headache.
Phlegm and dampness obstructed in middle burner
Therapeutic aims: dry dampness, resolve phlegm, smooth collaterals and ease pain.
Sample prescription: Pinellia, Atractylodes and Gastropdia Decoction
Source: Medicine Comprehended (yix ue xin wu)
| Rhizoma Pinelliae |
ban xia
|
Pinella tuber
|
| Rhizoma Gastrodiae |
tian ma
|
Gastrodia tuber
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Citri Grandis Exocarpium |
ju hong
|
Tomentose pummelo peel
|
| Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae |
bai shu
|
Largehead Atractylodes root
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
This is a well-known formula for dizziness and headache due to wind or phlegm influences. In the prescription, the pinella tuber dries dampness and resolves phlegm; the gastrodia tuber resolve phlegm and extinguish wind, both herbs are monarch herbs. The atractylodes root and poria fortify the spleen to expel dampness while the pummelo peel regulates qi movement to facilitate phlegm ewsolving; the liquorice root acts as buffer.
4. Puffiness
Spleen Deficiency
Therapeutic aims: replenish blood and qi (vital energy), nourish orifices and relieve pain.
Sample prescription: Atractylodes Powder plus Poria, Cassia, Atractylodes and Liquorice Decoction
| Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae |
bai shu
|
Largehead Atractylodes root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Fructus Piperis |
hu jiao
|
Pepper fruit
|
| Cohcha Ostreae |
mu li
|
Oyster shell
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Ramulus Cinnamomi |
gui zhi
|
Cassia twig
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
In the prescription, the atractylodes root invigorates the spleen to drain dampness; lovage activates the blood and qi; pepper warms the middle burner and stops pain, oyster shell soothes the liver, poria and cassia twig warms the yang to facilitate urination; liquorice acts as buffer.
Kidney Deficiency
Therapeutic aims: warm kidney, enhance vaporization, promote urination and relieve edema.
Sample prescription: True Warrior Decoction
Source: Treatise on Cold-induced Diseases (shang han lun)
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae |
bai shu
|
Largehead Atractylodes root
|
| Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens |
sheng jiang
|
Fresh ginger
|
| Radix Aconiti Praeparata |
fu zi
|
Aconite root
|
This is a classic formula for warming the yang to drain water. Being extremely pungent and hot in nature, the aconite acts as the monarch herb to warm the kidney and strongly enhance its vaporization. The atractylodes root and poria promote the spleen to expel dampness; fresh ginger enahnces lung functioning and warms the middle burner; the three herbs serve as minister herbs. The white peony works as a guide herb.
Qi Stagnation
Therapeutic aims: regulate qi, remove stagnation, drain dampness and relief edema.
Sample prescription: Eight Treasures Decoction (modified)
Source: A Synopsis of Female Diseases (ji yin gang mu)
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Rhizoma Rehmanniae Praeparatae |
shu di
|
Processed rhemannia rhizome
|
| Rhizoma corydalis |
yan hu suo
|
Corydalis rhizome
|
| Fructus Meliae Toosendon |
chuan lian zi
|
Sichuan Chinaberry
|
| Radix Aucklandiae |
mu xiang
|
Costus root
|
| Semen Arecae |
bing lang
|
Betel nut
|
In the prescription, the first four ingredients nourish and activate blood circulation. The corydalis rhizome removes the blood stagnation, Sichuan chinaberry, costus root and betel nut soothe the liver to regulate the movement of qi. The whole combination promotes blood and qi flow, so as to motivate body fluids redistrubiton and relive puffiness.
5. Mouth Sores
Virtual fire burns mouth
Therapeutic aims: nourish yin, and supress fire
Sample prescription: Rehmannia Pill Plus Anemarrhena and Corktree Bark (modified)
Source: Golden Mirror of Medicine (yi zong jin jian)
| Rhizoma Rehmanniae Praeparatae |
shu di
|
Processed rhemannia rhizome
|
| Fructus Corni |
shan yu rou
|
Cornus fruit
|
| Rhizoma Dioscoreae |
shan yao
|
Chinese yam
|
| Rhizoma Alismatis |
ze xie
|
Oriental water plantain
|
| Poria |
fu ling
|
Poria
|
| Crotex Moutan Radicis |
dan pi
|
Peony tree root bark
|
| Rhizoma Anemarrhenae |
zhi mu
|
Anemarrhena
|
| Cortex Phellodendri |
huang bai
|
Phellodendron
|
In the prescription, a high dosage of rhemannia is used to nourish the kidney yin and replenish the essence. The cornus fruit and anemanrrhena invigorate the liver and kidney to arrest further essence depletion. The Chinese yam promotes the spleen to ensure nourishing sources. The water plantain dispels the turbid dampness; peony bark and phellodendron eliminate excessive fire; proia promotes urination; these four herbs also counteract the side effects of the main ingredients.
Heat Accumulated in Stomach
Therapeutic aims: clear stomach and purge fire.
Sample prescription: Powder for Clearing Heat Above the Diaphram (modified)
Source: Formulary of the Taiping Welfare Dispensary Bureau (tai ping hui min he ji ju fang)
| Radix et Rhizoma Rhei |
da huang
|
Chinese rhubarb
|
| Natrii Sulfas |
mang xiao
|
Sodium sulfate
|
| Fructus Gardeniae |
zhi zi
|
gardenia fruit
|
| Herba Ephedrae |
bo he
|
Pepper mint
|
| Radix Scutellariae |
huang qin
|
Bacial skullcap
|
| Fructus Forsythiae |
lian qiao
|
Forsythia
|
| Herba Lophatheri |
zhu ye
|
Bamboo leaf
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
In the prescription, forsythia is used in high dosage to clear heat and counteract toxics. The bacial skullcap disperses the heat in the chest; gardenia fruit induces the heat throughout the triple burner downwards while rhubarb and sodium sulfate promote bowel movement to expel the heat. Bamboo leaf and peppermint disperse the heat in an upward direction.
6. Hives (nettle rash/urticaria)
Blood Deficiency
Therapeutic aims: nourish blood, disperse wind and stop itching.
Sample prescription: Angelica Root Drink (modified)
Source: Standards for Diagnosis and Treatment (zheng zhi zhun sheng)
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Radix Paeoniae |
bai shao
|
White peony root
|
| Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong |
chuan xiong
|
Sichuan lovage
|
| Radix Polygoni Mulitflori |
shou wu
|
Fleece flower root
|
| Radix Astragali seu Hydysari |
huang qi
|
Astragalus root
|
| Spica Schizonepetae |
jing jie
|
Schizonepeta
|
| Radix Ledebouriellae |
fang feng
|
Ledebouriella root
|
| Fructus Tribuli |
bai ji li
|
Caltrop
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
This formula is for heat accumulation due to blood deficiency with a simultaneous attack by wind evils. The first three ingredients act as a blood tonic. Others like fleece flower root, schizonepeta and ledebouriella root expel wind evils; the caltrop disperses the wind in the liver; astragalus and liquorice replenish qi and consolidate the bodily surface to facilitate the elimination of evils.
Wind-heat Accumulated in Skin
Therapeutic aims: disperse wind, clear heat and stop itching.
Sample prescription: Wind Dispersing Powder (modified)
Source: Orthodox External Medicine (wai ke zheng zong)
| Spica Schizonepetae |
jing jie
|
Schizonepeta
|
| Radix Ledebouriellae |
fang feng
|
Ledebouriella root
|
| Fructus Arctii |
niu bang zi
|
Arctium fruit
|
| Periostracum Cicadae |
chan tui
|
Cicada slough
|
| Rhizoma Atractylodis |
cang zhu
|
Atractylodes rhizome
|
| Radix Sophorae Flavescentis |
ku shen
|
Flavescent sophora root
|
| Gypsum Fibrosum |
shi gao
|
Gypsum
|
| Rhizoma Anemarrhenae |
zhi mu
|
Anemarrhena rhizome
|
| Radix Angelicae Sinensis |
dang gui
|
Angelica root
|
| Semen Sesamum |
hu ma ren
|
Sesame seed
|
| Radix Rehmanniae |
sheng di
|
Rehmannia root
|
| Radix Glycyrrhizae |
gan cao
|
Liquorice root
|
| Caulis Akebiae |
mu tong
|
Akebia stem
|
This is a common formula for dealing with skin rashes and eczema. In the prescription, schizonepeta, ledebouriella root, cicada slough and arctium fruit are the monarch herbs, which disperses the wind evils in the skin to stop itching. The atractylodes rhizome expels wind and dries dampness; sophora root clears away heat and removes dampness; akebia stem induces urination to eliminate damp-heat. Gypsum and anemrrhena rhizome clear away heat and purge fire. Angelica, sesame seed and rehmannia root nourish and activate the blood. Liquorice root acts as buffer. The whole combination focuses on dispersing wind, but also helps to remove dampness, clear heat and nourish the blood.
