PMS — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM this falls under the category of menstrual cycle-related symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Liver Qi Depression (Liver Depression and Qi Stagnation)
Formula: Chaihu Shugan San (Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder) — from *Jingyue's Complete Works*
Liver Qi Constraint with Spleen Deficiency (Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Deficiency)
Formula: Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*
Stagnant Heat in the Liver Channel (Liver Depression Transforming into Fire)
Formula: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Moutan and Gardenia Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) — from *Summary of Internal Medicine*
These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Food Therapy & Diet
Dietary Therapy Recipes
- Two-Flower Qi-Regulating Tea: 9 g Chinese rose petals, 9 g rose buds, 3 g black tea; steep in boiling water.
- Adenophora and Finger Citron Congee: 20 g each of adenophora root, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and finger citron, plus 50 g japonica rice; cook into congee.
- Goji Berry and Solomon's Seal Stewed Pigeon: 50 g goji berries, 50 g Solomon's seal rhizome, 1 pigeon; stew until cooked.
- Raw Barley Sprout Drink: 200 g raw barley sprouts; simmer for 20 minutes and strain (traditionally used for breast fullness).
- Motherwort Egg Soup: 30 g motherwort, 2 eggs; simmer into a soup.
Dietary Principles
- Favor foods that may support liver qi flow: crown daisy, radish, pomelo, tomato, finger citron.
- Favor foods that may support spleen qi: Chinese yam, coix seed, white hyacinth bean, pumpkin, jujube, sorghum.
- Favor vitamin B6-rich foods: banana, whole wheat, brown rice, oats, cauliflower, carrot.
- Favor whole grains and high-fiber staples: sweet potato, potato, millet, whole-wheat bread.
- Avoid sweets and refined sugar.
- Reduce salt intake for the 10 days before the period to help reduce bloating.
- Avoid raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM this falls under the category of menstrual cycle-related symptoms. In TCM theory the liver is considered the foundation of women's health; before menstruation, qi and blood of the Chong and Ren meridians descend to the uterus and the Chong qi becomes relatively exuberant, which was associated with liver failing to course and discharge freely, i.e. liver qi stagnation. Qi stagnation in the breast collaterals was associated with breast fullness, and constrained qi transforming into fire that disturbs the mind was associated with irritability. Liver constraint is regarded as the root, with a mixture of deficiency and excess.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.