Six Chinese Patent Medicines for Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological disease, and many women suffer from it. Since ancient times, women with this condition have been numerous. Menstruation, leukorrhea, and childbirth are the three major categories of disease in TCM gynecology, and TCM offers many medicines and methods for dysmenorrhea. This article introduces six convenient, practical Chinese patent medicines for dysmenorrhea. Patent medicines are more palatable than raw decoctions and spare patients the trouble of decocting herbs, making them a better choice than decoctions.
The first is "Tongjing Wan". Its composition is: Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Xiangfu (vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), Yanhusuo (Corydalis), Paojiang (processed Zingiberis Rhizoma), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Chongweizi (Leonuri Fructus), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Yimucao (Leonuri Herba), and Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces). This formula warms the vessels and activates blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain. It is indicated for dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation due to cold congelation and blood deficiency in the lower jiao, presenting with delayed periods, scanty flow with clots, and cold pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation that prefers warmth.
The second is "Tongjing Koufuye". Its composition is: Danggui, Chuanxiong, Baishao, Xiangfu, and Wuyao (Linderae Radix). It moves qi and activates blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain. It is indicated for dysmenorrhea due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, presenting with distending or cramping abdominal pain before and during menstruation, as well as menstrual headache.
The third is "Tongjing Pian". Its composition is: Xiangfu, Yimucao, Rougui, Shudihuang, Danggui, Baishao, Chuanxiong, Danshen, Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Qingpi, Muxiang, Wulingzhi, Yanhusuo, Shanzha, and Chongweizi. Tongjing Tablets have the same composition and actions as Tongjing Wan, differing only in dosage form.
The fourth is "Tongjinning Tangjiang". Its composition is: Xiangfu, Danggui, Chuanlianzi (Toosendan Fructus), Yanhusuo, Chuanxiong, Danshen, Honghua, Baishao, and Zhi Gancao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza). It activates blood, moves qi, and stops pain. It is indicated for irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, presenting with delayed periods, scanty flow with clots, lower abdominal pain during menstruation that eases once the flow becomes free, and premenstrual irritability.
The fifth is "Tongjingbao Keli". Its composition is: Honghua, Danggui, Rougui, Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), Danshen, Wulingzhi, Muxiang, and Yanhusuo. It warms the vessels and resolves stasis, moves qi and stops pain. It is indicated for cold congelation with qi stagnation and blood stasis causing dysmenorrhea, cold pain in the lower abdomen, irregular menstruation, and dull, dark menstrual color. It may be used for dysmenorrhea caused by benign gynecological tumors, and may also serve as adjuvant therapy for gynecological malignancies such as ovarian and cervical cancer. Honghua, Danggui, Sanleng, Ezhu, Danshen, and Wulingzhi not only activate blood and stop pain but also reduce swelling and dissipate nodules.
The sixth is "Shu'erjing Keli". Its composition is: Danggui, Baishao, Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Xiangfu, Yanhusuo, Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), Taoren (Persicae Semen), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Yimucao. It activates blood and soothes the liver, stops pain and regulates menstruation. It is indicated for dysmenorrhea: as the period approaches the patient becomes irritable, with chest and breast distending pain or breast lumps, distending pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen, difficult initial menstrual flow, and dark flow or clots.
All six are Chinese patent medicines for dysmenorrhea and can be bought directly at pharmacies. They share many similar ingredients; patients may choose the one that matches their own symptoms. Dosage and administration follow each package insert. Note that if dysmenorrhea coincides with a cold, these medicines should not be used for the dysmenorrhea at that time; the cold should be treated first, and after the cold resolves these medicines may be used. During a cold, ibuprofen may relieve dysmenorrhea symptoms, and it also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.