Proprietary Chinese medicines are very popular in the Chinese community; people like to buy these over-the-counter preparations for common ailments or as adjuncts in serious diseases, just like Western readymade remedies for colds, flu and pain. Some of the preparations can be dated back to thousands of years, the formulae have been carefully balanced in quality and quantity to accentuate its health restorative actions while reducing side effects.
Traditionally, proprietary Chinese medicines are originated from the classic formulae, that have been tested and verified for generations. They are usually marketed under the same names as the original formulae, their herbal combinations are similar regardless of the manufacturers. These effective, less costly and readily available remedies can easily be found in pharmacies.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has affected so many women. Chinese medicine has unique advantage for PMS management, many effective remedies have handed down and are now available over-the-counter. Individuals who have serious conditions should always consult health professionals before taking any medicines. However, for common ailments or conditions that are not proving effective by allopathic remedies, these medicines are worth trying.
Below are the common herbal remedies for PMS individuals, these prescriptions form the basic components in clinical applications too.
Free and Easy Wanderer Plus
加味逍遙丸 / jia wei xiao yao wan
Actions: soothe liver, relieve stagnation, replenish qi, fortify spleen, enrich blood and clear heat
PMS Indications: irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, mood swings, dizziness, abdominal bloating, fatigue, mouth dryness and feverish in the afternoon.
Precautions: pregnancy and digestive weakness
Rehmannia Pill Plus Wolfberry and Chrysanthemum
杞菊地黃丸 / qi ju di huang wan
Actions: enrich liver, nourish kidney, promote blood production and improve eyesight
PMS Indications: irritability, headache, eye dryness, hot flush, insomnia, breast tenderness, night sweats, mouth dryness and lumbar soreness.
Precautions: diarrhea and acute conditions
Eight Treasures Pill
八珍丸 / ba zhen wan
Actions: replenish qi (vital energy) and enrich blood
PMS Indications: general weakness, pale complexion, dizziness, headache, poor appetite, palpitations, insomnia and heavy menses.
Precautions: fever and digestive weakness
Poria, Cassia, Atractylodes and Liquorice Pill
苓桂朮甘丸 / ling gui zhu gan wan
Actions: tonify kidney and spleen, promote urination and qi circulation
PMS Indications: puffy face and limbs, lightheadedness, chills, fatigue, sleepiness, poor appetite, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, soreness in the back and limbs, and heavy menses.
Although the same proprietary Chinese medicine can be produced by many manufactures, one should always buy from a reputable one. The production of Chinese herbal products involves many special skills, a difference in manufacture can have subtle differences in effects. (See "
The effect of dual modulation") Also, individual should read the labels carefully or ask advice from the pharmacy before taking them.
