Differentiation of Blood DisordersBlood disorders manifest in various ways, differing based on their causes, which can be categorized into cold, heat, deficiency, and excess. The clinical manifestations can be summarized into four syndromes: Blood Deficiency (Xue Xu), Blood Stasis (Xue Yu), Blood Heat (Xue Re), and Blood Cold (Xue Han).

1. Blood Deficiency Syndrome (Xue Xu Zheng)Blood deficiency syndrome refers to the deficiency of blood, leading to the malnourishment of organs and meridians, resulting in overall weakness. The formation of blood deficiency can be due to congenital insufficiency; or weakness of the spleen and stomach, leading to insufficient blood production; or various acute and chronic bleeding; or prolonged illness; or excessive thinking, which depletes yin blood; or blood stasis obstructing the generation of new blood; or due to parasitic diseases in the intestines.【Clinical Manifestations】Pale or sallow complexion, pale lips, pale nails, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, numbness in hands and feet, women with scanty and pale menstrual flow, delayed menstruation or amenorrhea, pale tongue with white coating, thin and weak pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by the loss of color in the complexion, lips, and nails, along with overall weakness. The body’s organs rely on blood for nourishment; when blood is abundant, the skin is rosy and the body is strong; when blood is deficient, the skin loses nourishment, and the complexion, lips, nails, and tongue appear pale.Blood deficiency leads to insufficient nourishment of the brain and marrow, causing dizziness and blurred vision. The heart governs blood vessels and houses the spirit; when blood is deficient, the heart is not nourished, leading to palpitations and insomnia. The meridians lack nourishment, causing numbness in the hands and feet, and a thin and weak pulse indicates insufficient blood flow. For women, blood is essential; when blood is abundant, menstruation occurs regularly; when blood is insufficient, menstrual flow decreases, the color becomes pale, and menstruation may be delayed or cease altogether.

2. Blood Stasis Syndrome (Xue Yu Zheng)Blood stasis syndrome refers to symptoms caused by the obstruction of blood flow due to stasis. The causes of blood stasis include: cold evil causing stagnation, leading to blood obstruction; or qi stagnation causing blood stasis; or due to qi deficiency failing to propel blood, resulting in stasis; or due to trauma and other reasons causing blood to leak outside the vessels, which cannot be expelled or dissipated in time.【Clinical Manifestations】Pain that feels like stabbing or cutting, localized pain that resists pressure, often worsening at night. Masses on the surface appear bluish-purple; those in the abdomen are hard and immovable, referred to as accumulations. Recurrent bleeding occurs, with dark purple color mixed with blood clots, or black tarry stools. The complexion appears dark, with purple lips and nails, or subcutaneous purpura, or thread-like veins on the skin, or visible veins in the abdomen, or swelling and pain in the lower limbs. Women often experience amenorrhea. The tongue is dark purple, or shows purplish spots, and the pulse is thin and choppy.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by stabbing pain, localized pain that resists pressure, masses, dark purple lips, tongue, and nails, and a choppy pulse. Due to blood stasis obstructing the meridians, pain occurs; thus, pain is the most prominent symptom of blood stasis. Stasis is a tangible evil that obstructs the flow of qi, causing severe pain that feels like stabbing, with fixed locations. Pain worsens at night due to slower blood flow. If stasis accumulates and coagulates, it can form masses, hence the bluish-purple color of visible masses on the surface and the hardness of internal masses.Bleeding occurs due to stasis obstructing the vessels, hindering the flow of qi and blood, leading to blood surging and breaking through the vessels, resulting in external bleeding. The color of the blood is dark purple, or it has coagulated into clots. Blood stasis obstructs the flow of qi and blood, leading to a dark complexion, purple lips, tongue, and nails. If blood stasis obstructs the Chong and Ren meridians, it results in amenorrhea. Thread-like veins, visible veins, and a choppy pulse indicate obstruction of the meridians and hindered blood flow.

3. Blood Heat Syndrome (Xue Re Zheng)Blood heat syndrome refers to the symptoms caused by excessive heat in the organs, forcing heat into the blood. This syndrome is often caused by overwork, excessive alcohol consumption, anger damaging the liver, or excessive sexual activity.【Clinical Manifestations】Coughing blood, vomiting blood, blood in urine, nosebleeds, blood in stools, women with early menstruation, heavy flow, heat in the blood, irritability, thirst, red tongue, and rapid pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by bleeding and systemic heat signs. Blood heat forces blood to move erratically, injuring the blood vessels, hence manifesting as various bleeding and excessive menstrual flow in women. Excessive heat burns the body fluids, leading to fever and thirst. Heat disturbs the spirit, causing irritability. Heat forces blood flow, obstructing the vessels, resulting in a red tongue and rapid pulse. Blood heat can be due to internal injury or external pathogens. The blood heat referred to here primarily indicates internal injury and miscellaneous diseases. In the differentiation of external heat diseases, there is also a “blood heat syndrome” indicating heat entering the blood, but the concept here is entirely different. The blood heat in external heat diseases is detailed in the “Differentiation of Wei, Qi, Ying, and Blood”.

4. Blood Cold Syndrome (Xue Han Zheng)Blood cold syndrome refers to symptoms caused by local meridian cold and qi stagnation, leading to poor blood circulation. This is often caused by exposure to cold evil.【Clinical Manifestations】Cold pain in the hands and feet or lower abdomen, skin appears dark purple and cold, prefers warmth and dislikes cold, pain alleviates with warmth, women with delayed menstruation, dysmenorrhea, dark purple menstrual flow with clots, dark purple tongue, white coating, and a deep, slow, choppy pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by localized pain in the hands and feet and dark purple skin. Cold is a yin evil, which has a constricting nature; when cold evil invades the blood vessels, it causes qi stagnation. Poor blood circulation leads to cold pain in the hands and feet or lower abdomen. Blood flows better with warmth and coagulates with cold, hence the preference for warmth and aversion to cold, with pain alleviating with warmth. Cold obstructs the uterus, causing menstrual blood to be blocked, hence delayed menstruation with dark color and clots. A dark purple tongue and a deep, slow, choppy pulse indicate obstruction of the blood vessels by cold evil, leading to hindered qi and blood flow.

5. Differentiation of Qi and Blood DisordersThis differentiation method is used for conditions that simultaneously exhibit both qi and blood disorders. Qi and blood have a close interdependent relationship, as they nourish and support each other. Therefore, when pathological changes occur, qi and blood often influence each other, presenting both qi and blood disorders, which is termed as qi and blood coexisting disorders. Common syndromes include qi stagnation with blood stasis, qi deficiency with blood stasis, both qi and blood deficiency, qi failing to control blood, and qi escaping with blood.5.1 Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Syndrome (Qi Zhi Xue Yu Zheng)This syndrome refers to symptoms arising from qi stagnation leading to blood flow obstruction, presenting both qi stagnation and blood stasis. It is often caused by emotional distress or invasion of external pathogens, leading to prolonged liver qi stagnation.【Clinical Manifestations】Chest and hypochondriac fullness with pain, irritability, and palpable masses that resist pressure, women with amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, dark purple menstrual flow with clots, breast pain and swelling, dark purple tongue or with purplish spots, and a wiry, choppy pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by prolonged illness and pain in the liver meridian area as key diagnostic points. The liver governs the smooth flow of qi and stores blood, regulating emotional states. When emotions are not smooth, liver qi becomes stagnant, leading to irritability and fullness in the chest and hypochondriac area. Qi is the commander of blood; when qi stagnates, blood coagulates, hence the presence of palpable masses and symptoms of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and breast pain. A wiry, choppy pulse indicates qi stagnation with blood stasis.

5.2 Qi Deficiency with Blood Stasis Syndrome (Qi Xu Xue Yu Zheng)This syndrome refers to the simultaneous presence of qi deficiency and blood stasis. It often develops gradually due to prolonged illness leading to qi deficiency and insufficient blood circulation.【Clinical Manifestations】Pale or dull complexion, fatigue, shortness of breath, stabbing pain that is fixed and resists pressure, often seen in the chest and hypochondriac area, dark purple tongue or with purplish spots, and a deep, choppy pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome presents a mix of deficiency and excess, with qi deficiency and blood stasis as key diagnostic points. A pale complexion, fatigue, and shortness of breath indicate qi deficiency. Qi deficiency leads to insufficient blood circulation, resulting in blood stasis, hence the presence of stabbing pain that resists pressure. Clinically, heart and liver conditions are common, hence the pain often appears in the chest and hypochondriac area.

5.3 Both Qi and Blood Deficiency Syndrome (Qi Xue Liang Xu Zheng)This syndrome refers to the simultaneous presence of qi deficiency and blood deficiency. It often arises from prolonged illness leading to an inability of qi to generate blood or blood deficiency failing to transform into qi.【Clinical Manifestations】Dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale or sallow complexion, palpitations, insomnia, pale and tender tongue, and a thin, weak pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by the co-occurrence of qi and blood deficiency as key diagnostic points. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and spontaneous sweating indicate spleen and lung qi deficiency; palpitations and insomnia indicate blood failing to nourish the heart. Blood deficiency fails to fill the vessels, leading to pale lips and nails, and a thin, weak pulse indicates insufficient qi and blood.

5.4 Qi Failing to Control Blood Syndrome (Qi Bu She Xue Zheng)This syndrome, also known as qi deficiency with blood loss syndrome, refers to the inability of qi to control blood, presenting both qi deficiency and blood loss. It often arises from prolonged illness leading to qi deficiency, losing its ability to control blood.【Clinical Manifestations】Coughing blood, blood in stools, subcutaneous purpura, menorrhagia, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, pale tongue, and a thin, weak pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by the co-occurrence of bleeding and qi deficiency as key diagnostic points. Qi deficiency leads to an inability to control blood, causing blood to escape from the vessels, resulting in symptoms such as coughing blood and blood in stools. Spleen deficiency fails to control blood, leading to menorrhagia. Qi deficiency results in shortness of breath, fatigue, and a pale complexion. A pale tongue and a thin, weak pulse indicate insufficient qi and blood.

5.5 Qi Escaping with Blood Syndrome (Qi Sui Xue Tuo Zheng)This syndrome refers to the symptoms of yang qi deficiency caused by massive bleeding. It often arises from pre-existing diseases of the liver, stomach, and lungs, leading to sudden rupture of the vessels, or due to trauma, or in women during childbirth.【Clinical Manifestations】Sudden pallor of the face during massive bleeding, cold extremities, profuse sweating, and even fainting. Pale tongue, and a faint, weak pulse, or a floating and scattered pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by the sudden appearance of qi deficiency symptoms during massive bleeding as key diagnostic points. Qi deficiency leads to the inability to nourish the face, resulting in pallor; inability to warm the extremities leads to cold hands and feet; inability to warm and secure the skin leads to profuse sweating; and the spirit becomes scattered, leading to fainting. Blood loss leads to qi deficiency, resulting in a pale tongue and a faint, weak pulse, indicating severe deficiency of yang qi.

6. Differentiation of Body Fluids DisordersThis differentiation method analyzes disorders of body fluids. Body fluid disorders can generally be categorized into insufficient body fluids and accumulation of water.6.1 Insufficient Body Fluids Syndrome (Jin Ye Bu Zu Zheng)This syndrome refers to the deficiency of body fluids, leading to dryness as a characteristic symptom.It is often caused by heat damaging body fluids, or due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and blood loss.【Clinical Manifestations】Thirst and dry throat, dry and cracked lips, dry skin, scanty urination, dry and hard stools, red tongue with little moisture, and a thin, rapid pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by dryness of the skin, lips, tongue, and throat, along with scanty urination and dry stools as key diagnostic points. Due to fluid deficiency, the skin, lips, and throat lose their nourishing moisture, resulting in dryness. Fluid damage leads to insufficient urine production, hence scanty urination; the intestines lose moisture, leading to constipation. A red tongue with little moisture and a thin, rapid pulse indicate internal heat due to fluid deficiency.

6.2 Accumulation of Water Syndrome (Shui Ye Ting Ju Zheng)This syndrome refers to disorders caused by abnormal distribution and excretion of body fluids, leading to phlegm, edema, and other conditions. External pathogens or internal organ injuries can lead to this syndrome.1. Edema (Shui Zhong)Edema refers to the accumulation of body fluids, causing swelling of the face, limbs, abdomen, or even the entire body.Clinically, edema is divided into two categories: yang edema and yin edema.(1) Yang Edema: Rapid onset, characterized by real edema, often caused by external wind invasion or excessive dampness.【Clinical Manifestations】Swelling of the eyelids, followed by swelling of the face, and potentially the entire body, with scanty urination and rapid onset. The skin appears thin and shiny, often accompanied by chills and fever, no sweating, thin white tongue coating, and a floating, tight pulse. Alternatively, it may present with generalized edema, with a slower onset, leaving indentations when pressed, and heaviness and fatigue in the limbs, scanty urination, fullness in the abdomen, nausea, and a white, greasy tongue coating, with a deep pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by rapid onset and severe swelling of the eyelids and face as key diagnostic points. Wind invasion affects the lung’s defensive qi, leading to improper distribution of fluids, resulting in edema.Wind is a yang evil, which first affects the upper body, leading to edema in the eyelids and face, and then potentially spreading to the limbs. If accompanied by chills, fever, and no sweating, it indicates a cold-water syndrome; if accompanied by sore throat, red tongue, and rapid pulse, it indicates a heat-water syndrome. If caused by excessive dampness, it indicates that the spleen yang is weakened, leading to improper fluid metabolism and resulting in generalized edema. When water and dampness accumulate, the three burners fail to function properly, leading to scanty urination. As the water and dampness increase without an outlet, the swelling worsens, leading to heaviness and fatigue in the limbs, fullness in the abdomen, nausea, and a white, greasy tongue coating, indicating excessive dampness obstructing the spleen.

2. Yin Edema (Yin Shui)Yin edema has a slower onset and is characterized by deficiency. It is often caused by internal injury, spleen and kidney yang deficiency, and weakened defensive qi.【Clinical Manifestations】Swelling of the body, particularly severe below the waist, with slow recovery from indentations, fullness in the abdomen, poor appetite, loose stools, pale complexion, fatigue, scanty urination, pale tongue, white, slippery coating, and a deep, slow pulse. Alternatively, the edema may worsen, with difficulty urinating, cold pain in the lower back and knees, cold limbs, aversion to cold, fatigue, and pale complexion, with a pale, swollen tongue and a slow, weak pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome is characterized by a slower onset, with swelling primarily in the lower body as key diagnostic points. The spleen governs the transportation and transformation of water, while the kidneys govern water metabolism; therefore, deficiency of either can lead to fluid metabolism disorders, resulting in yin edema. When yin is excessive in the lower body, it leads to swelling in the feet and lower body, with slow recovery from indentations. Spleen deficiency or stomach weakness leads to fullness in the abdomen, poor appetite, and loose stools. The kidneys govern water, and kidney deficiency leads to internal accumulation of water, resulting in cold pain in the lower back and knees, cold limbs, and aversion to cold. Yang deficiency fails to warm the body, leading to a pale complexion. A pale, swollen tongue and a slow, weak pulse indicate spleen and kidney yang deficiency with internal accumulation of cold water.

7. Phlegm and Fluid DisordersPhlegm and fluid disorders arise from dysfunction of the organs, leading to stagnation of body fluids.7.1 Phlegm Syndrome (Tan Zheng)Phlegm syndrome refers to the accumulation of thick, viscous fluids in the organs, meridians, and tissues, often caused by external pathogens or emotional disturbances leading to organ dysfunction.【Clinical Manifestations】Coughing with phlegm, thick and sticky phlegm, fullness in the chest and abdomen, poor appetite, dizziness, or mental confusion, with phlegm sounds in the throat, or numbness in the limbs, and conditions such as scrofula, goiter, breast lumps, or phlegm nodules, with a white, greasy tongue coating and a slippery pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome presents a wide range of clinical manifestations, leading to the saying, “all strange diseases belong to phlegm.” In differentiation, aside from recognizing specific symptoms based on the affected areas, the following manifestations can generally be used as judgment criteria: expectoration of phlegm or vomiting phlegm, or phlegm sounds in the throat during confusion, or numbness in the limbs, or the presence of phlegm nodules, with a white, greasy tongue coating and a slippery pulse.Phlegm obstructs the lungs, leading to improper lung function, resulting in coughing with phlegm. Phlegm dampness obstructs the qi mechanism, leading to fullness in the abdomen and poor appetite. Phlegm turbidity obscures the clear orifices, preventing the clear yang from rising, leading to dizziness. Phlegm confuses the spirit, leading to mental confusion or even mania. Phlegm stagnation in the meridians can lead to numbness in the limbs, and localized accumulation can lead to conditions such as scrofula, goiter, breast lumps, or phlegm nodules.

7.2 Fluid Syndrome (Yin Zheng)Fluid syndrome refers to the accumulation of clear, thin fluids in the organs and tissues, often caused by organ dysfunction.【Clinical Manifestations】Coughing with shortness of breath, thin and watery phlegm, chest tightness, palpitations, difficulty lying flat, fullness in the abdomen, watery sounds, vomiting clear fluids, dizziness, scanty urination, and limb swelling, with a white, slippery tongue coating and a wiry pulse.【Syndrome Analysis】This syndrome primarily focuses on the accumulation of fluids in the heart, lungs, stomach, and limbs. When fluids accumulate in the lungs, qi rises, leading to coughing and shortness of breath. When fluids obstruct the heart, it leads to palpitations. When fluids obstruct the stomach, it leads to fullness in the abdomen and watery sounds. When fluids accumulate in the limbs, it leads to swelling and heaviness, with scanty urination. The presence of a white, slippery tongue coating and a wiry pulse indicates obstruction of the qi mechanism by fluids.

Regulating Menstruation Decoction

From “Gynecology Jade Scale” Volume 1: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 6g, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Yanhusuo) 6g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 6g, Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus) 3g, Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 3g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) 3g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 2.4g, Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata) 2.4g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 2.4g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) 1.8g, Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus Japonicus) 9g.

Function and Indications Invigorates blood and regulates menstruation. Indicated for women with blood stasis and amenorrhea.

Dosage Decoction with water, taken on an empty stomach on the day of menstruation.

Excerpt From “Gynecology Jade Scale” Volume 1

From “Gynecology Jade Scale” Volume 4: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 3g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) 3g, Chi Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 3g, She Xiang (Moschus) 0.15g, Hu Po (Amber) 0.6g (ground separately), Mo Yao (Myrrh) 0.6g (ground separately), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 0.9g, Xi Xin (Asarum) 0.9g.

Function and Indications Transforms stasis and reduces swelling. Indicated for postpartum conditions where stagnant blood accumulates in the organs, flowing into the limbs and transforming into water, causing swelling of the face and limbs.

Dosage Decoction with water.

Excerpt From “Gynecology Jade Scale” Volume 4

From “Wan’s Gynecology” Volume 3: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Gui Shen (Angelica Sinensis, wine-fried) 3g, Chi Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 3g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 3g, Gui Xin (Cinnamon Heart) 3g, Chi Fu Ling (Poria) 3g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 3g, Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata) 3g, Xi Xin (Asarum) 0.5g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger, fried) 0.5g.

Function and Indications Postpartum edema. After childbirth, if stagnant blood is not expelled, it flows into the meridians, mixing with qi, coagulating and obstructing, leading to swelling of the limbs, alternating between cold and heat.

Dosage Use 1 slice of fresh ginger as a guide, decoct with water.

Excerpt From “Wan’s Gynecology” Volume 3

From “Chai Mo You De Ji” Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Ze Lan Ye (Lycopus Lucidus) 9g, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) 4.5g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 4.5g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 4.5g (fried), Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit) 4.5g (fried), Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 4.5g (fried), Yuan Hu (Corydalis Yanhusuo) 4.5g (fried), Bing Lang (Areca) 4.5g, Mu Xiang (Saussurea) 2.5g, Xiao Hui Xiang (Foeniculum Vulgare) 4.5g (fried), Jiao Zhi (Hawthorn) 4.5g, Sha Ren (Amomum) 2.5g (fried), Qing Pi (Citrus Reticulata) 3g (fried), Sheng Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) 4.5g.

Function and Indications For all menstrual irregularities in women, whether early or late, excessive or insufficient, or abdominal pain after menstruation, vomiting, fever, blood tuberculosis, infertility, or menstrual pain in virgins.

Dosage Decoction with water.

Excerpt From “Chai Mo You De Ji”

From “Ancient and Modern Medical Mirror” Volume 11: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus) 120g (prepared with urine), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 30g, Fu Shen (Poria) 30g, Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata) 60g (soaked and fried).

Preparation Method Grind into powder.

Function and Indications For irregular menstruation without offspring.

Dosage Take 6g each time, mixed with boiling water.

Excerpt From “Ancient and Modern Medical Mirror” Volume 11

From “Song’s Gynecology Secret” Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Bai Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis, washed with wine), Huai Sheng Di (Rehmannia Glutinosa, steamed with wine and ginger juice), Chuan Xiong (Angelica Sinensis, washed with wine), Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora, fried with wine), Guang Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata), Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus, fried with wine), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala, fried with bran), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Sha Ren (Amomum), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice).

Function and Indications For irregular menstruation.

Excerpt From “Song’s Gynecology Secret”

From “Xian Nian Ji” Volume 3: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 30g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 15g, Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 18g, Xuan Hu (Rehmannia Glutinosa) 6g, Rou Gui (Cinnamon) 6g.

Preparation Method Grind into powder.

Function and Indications For irregular menstruation, whether early or late, or excessive or insufficient.

Dosage Take 12g each time, mixed with boiling water; decoction is also effective.

Excerpt From “Xian Nian Ji” Volume 3

From “Zhu Lin’s Gynecology” Volume 3: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) in equal parts.

Function and Indications For postpartum blood deficiency, with stagnant blood attacking the heart, leading to confusion and delirium, as if seeing strange objects.

Dosage Decoction with water.

Excerpt From “Zhu Lin’s Gynecology” Volume 3

From “Women’s Gynecology Essentials” Volume 4: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 7g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 10g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa) 10g, Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus Japonicus) 8g, Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 6g, Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus) 6g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 6g, Fu Ling (Poria) 6g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis) 3g, Ginger 3 slices, 1 date.

Function and Indications For amenorrhea due to blood stasis, with stagnant blood accumulating in the five organs, flowing into the limbs and causing swelling.

Dosage Taken warm on an empty stomach.

If there is blood heat with early menstruation or excessive blood heat, add Huang Lian (Coptis Chinensis) 7g (fried with wine); if there is blood cold with delayed menstruation, add Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon) 3g each; if there is pain before menstruation, add Yuan Hu (Corydalis Yanhusuo) and Qing Pi (Citrus Reticulata) 8g each; if menstruation is delayed and painful with clots, add Hong Hua (Carthamus Tinctorius), Su Mu (Sappan Wood), and Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 5g each; if there is excessive menstrual flow, add Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) 10g and Pu Huang (Typhae Pollen) 8g; if there is loss of appetite during menstruation, add Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 8g, Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata), and Sha Ren (Amomum) 5g each; if there is phlegm in overweight individuals, add Nan Xing (Arisaema) and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) 8g each; if there is qi deficiency with blood weakness, with weak limbs and pale complexion, add Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Huang Qi (Astragalus) 5g each.

Excerpt From “Women’s Gynecology Essentials” Volume 4

From “Yang’s Family Collection” Volume 15: Regulating Menstruation Decoction

Prescription Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis, washed and roasted) 30g, Ban Xia (Pinellia Ternata, washed 7 times) 30g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis, roasted) 30g, Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Japonicus, heart removed) 30g, Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax Gracilistylus) 30g, Shu Gan Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa, washed and roasted) 30g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 30g, Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Rutaecarpa, washed 7 times) 30g, Rou Gui (Cinnamon) 30g, Mu Dan Pi (Paeonia Suffruticosa) 30g, Chi Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora) 30g, Wu Yao (Lindera Aggregate) 30g, Hong Hua (Carthamus Tinctorius) 30g, Mo Yao (Myrrh) 15g (ground separately).

Function and Indications For deficiency of the Chong and Ren meridians, with wind-cold obstructing, qi stagnation, and pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation, or urgent distension in the lower abdomen, with heavy pain in the waist and legs.

Dosage Chew the ingredients. Take 15g each time, with 1.5 cups of water, add 5 slices of fresh ginger, decoct until 1 cup remains, strain, and take warm before meals, 5 days before menstruation and 5 days after menstruation.

Excerpt From “Yang’s Family Collection” Volume 15