An international nonprofit organization, known as the Cochrane Collaboration, studied the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in relieving menstrual pain compared to western drugs.  Their conclusion:  “Chinese herbal medicine for primary dysmenorrhea roughly doubled pain relief and improvement in overall symptoms compared with conventional Western pharmaceuticals,” reported Xiaoshu Zhu.1

Here are a few common Chinese herbs used for painful menstrual cramps:

1. Dong Gui (Chinese Angelica  or Angelica Sinensis)

Also known as the "female ginseng," it is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps.  It also helps to relieve menopausal symptoms, reduce PMS and anemia and to re-establish a menstrual cycle after cessation of birth control pills.  It is commonly sold as a single herb tea, bagged or loose.  It is considered a king herb or premier herb in Chinese gynecological disease because of its ability to harmonize the blood in Chinese medicine.  Dong Gui is also considered antispasmodic.  The coumarin chemicals present in this herb may help dilate blood vessels and relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, thus relieving menstrual cramping.

2. Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong  Rhizoma)

This herb is also a key medicinal herb for treating pain.  It improves blood circulation and promotes the flow of "qi" or vital energy.  Chinese women, dating back to the Song Dynasty, used to take this Chinese herb in the form of soup.  The soup is called a Four Substance Decoction and includes three other herbs:  angelica, red peony and Chinese foxglove.  The soup and tea are still used today as a blood tonic to relieve PMS, stop menstrual pain and improve overall health, especially after giving birth.

3. Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

White Peony Root nourishes the blood and improves circulation.  It is also used for a wide variety of gynecological problems.  The peony root is considered a   liver tonic in Chinese medicine.  By strengthening the liver, it helps to increase the efficiency of protein and fat metabolism, thus inhibiting the excessive synthesis of prostaglandins that may cause an over-active uterus and endometrial pain.

4. Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort)

Leaves from this herb are used to treat menstrual problems.  They have been shown to improve blood circulation and clear blood clots that occur in menstrual disorders and after childbirth.  The leaves also promote diuresis and relieve edema.  Studies on the alkaloid leonurine showed that this substance stimulates the uterus of rabbits, cats, dogs and guinea pigs.2

5. Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome)

There are two main functions of this Chinese herb:  to strengthen blood circulation and to relieve pain.  In conjunction with chuan xiong it is known to help both body aches and headaches.  Corydalis is related to the opium poppy.  Although only 1% in strength compared to opium, it is a very effective pain reliever.  The active chemical constituent di- tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is a neuroactive alkaloid with analgesic action that relieves cramping pain.

Groups of Chinese herbs, also known as formulas, are more beneficial than single herb remedies because the herbs work synergistically for conditions such as menstrual cramps.  The Cochran study also stated that:  “The herbal remedies were also significantly better at relieving painful cramps and other symptoms than acupuncture or a hot water bottle, with overall promising findings…  Chinese herbs overall, whether standardized or tailored, yielded better pain relief than conventional pharmaceutical therapies.”

Chinese herbal medicine can be a bit intimidating when you don’t know anything about these herbs, and the five herbs above are only a few of the herbs beneficial for menstrual cramps in the Chinese herbal encyclopedias.  Asian pharmacies sell prescriptions of herbal teas and pills daily, and Asian cultures have used herbs successfully for hundreds of years.  By replacing NSAIDs with Chinese herbs, women receive an additional benefit of avoiding the nasty NSAID3 side effects such as upset stomach, heartburn, ulcers and rashes, and liver damage, to name a few.  Women don’t need to suffer month after month.  You can use Chinese herb supplements to be pain free and PMS symptom free all month long.

Thanks to Cathy Margolin for contributing this article to our Ginseng blog:

Chinese Red Panax Ginseng

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Everyone wants to know what can be done to increase our body’s natural resistance to a variety of infections, including the now-emerging swine flu (H1N1).  Taking herbal supplements is one way to accomplish this.

Volumes have been written on this subject of  immune-boosting herbal products.  Since the question seems to be of vital concern, especially if you’ve been listening to the news lately, I will cover what I consider, only the top ways to boost your immune system with Chinese Herbs.

I must diverge for a moment because if you are serious about  building a strong immune system a few lifestyle issues must  also be implemented. Otherwise, no matter what herbs you take, long term benefits will elude you. This again is a vast  topic, so I will only list the absolute essential practices you need in your daily life to keep your immune system in balance or in homeostasis.

Getting enough sleep is essential.  Drink water and exercise everyday. (At the very least fit some walking into your day.)  Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress, which is next on this list.  Eat a healthy diet, think variety and consume as little sugar as possible.  If you are not incorporating these practices into your everyday life, your weakening your immune system and any variety of infections will find you a welcome host.

That  being said, boosting your immune system with Chinese herbs can and will help you prevent infections, but herbal supplements  are not an overnight quick fix. Chinese herbal formulas should be taken for at least one month for a powerful,  long lasting effect.  Adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng, shiitake mushrooms, ganoderma, (also known as reishi mushrooms), coryceps, astragalus and dand eleuthero are all herbs at the top of the “boost the immune system”  list.   Adaptogenic  herbs do  exactly what their name implies, they assist the body in "adapting" to its environment. Keep in mind Chinese herbs are best  taken within a formula, rather than individually, to enhance synergistic actions between herbs.

Scientific studies have shown  these herbs all support and enhance the body’s immune functions. These adaptogenic herbs have compounds such as  polysaccharides which increase the body’s natural killer cells, also known as lymphocytes. Extensive  studies also support the claims that these herbs  promote the activity of antibodies, improve the body’s resistance to stress and infections, help balances stress, reduces allergies, increase energy and promote healthy liver functions, just to name a few. A side note, if you are taking immuno-suppresant drugs these herbs are not recommended as they have potent immune enhancing effects which can increase the risk of rejection of the 

drugs and thus may severely compromise a person’s health.

Most  importantly, if you are looking to purchase any medicinal herbs please buy from a reputable source that you can trust. There are many companies who do not start with high quality crude herbs. Quality herbs, testing for contaminants, proper storage and preparation are all vital to ensuring a herbal products potency. I can’t stress enough, the importance of knowing your buying from a reputable source.

I wish you good health and a strong and healthy immune system.



Thanks to Cathy Margolin for contributing this article to our Ginseng blog:

Chinese Herbs And Vitamins