Before-Menses

To be used as a supplement to a balanced diet in the presence of premenstrual syndrome or tension (PMS). The Western scientific perspective describes premenstrual tension as a hormonal imbalance lasting from 7 to 10 days before menses and disappearing a few hours after the onset of menses. PMS symptoms include nervousness, irritability, emotional instability, depression, frequent headaches, generalized swelling and painful breasts. Medical scientists believe PMS may be caused by fluid accumulation due to sodium ion retention as result of elevated steroid hormone activity in the latter half of the menstrual cycle. The nervous irritability is thought to be caused by edema of nervous tissues. According to the Traditional Chinese Medical view, PMS is Liver stasis and stagnation of Qi. This is accompanied by Kidney Yin deficiency. The Liver has a strong relationship to the Kidney. When the Liver loses its ability to provide nutritional support to the Kidney, then there will be a Kidney Yin deficiency. The Liver stasis will affect the Spleen which will lead to stagnation of dampness due to Spleen deficiency. Flaming of the Liver fire will affect the heart causing emotional change or may cause headache before or after menstruation. There also may be distention and pain of the chest, hypochondrium, breast and hypogastrium. By bringing about menstruation at the right time and with efficiency, the heart fire and liver fire is relieved, and then Kidney Yin deficiency is also relieved. In this way recovery will be complete and symptoms will disappear. This formula functions by soothing the Liver and regulating the Qi. It nourishes the menstruation by regulating the flow of blood. TCM Indications: There is Fire transmission and Heat production due to stagnation of Liver Qi and disharmony of the Chong Mai Channel and the Ren Mai Channel marked by irritability, headache, dizziness, bitter mouth, dry throat, irregular menstruation, and pain with distension in the lower abdomen and chest. Tongue: Light red tongue. Pulse: Bowstring pulse.