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Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menopausal Irritability and Insomnia
This formula provides herbal support for the emotional side of menopause. In particular it addresses insomnia, irritability and restlessness.
By comparison, Menopause Formula #2 is more for the thermal aspect of menopause and targets hot flashes and night sweats more effectively.
The ingredients are all extract powders from China. Bottle includes 200 capsules (500 mg. each) which is enough to treat symptoms for two weeks to one month for most individuals. Heavier women (say, over 170 pounds) may need a higher dosage. Women under 120 pounds may take less.
Herbs arrive in easy-to-take capsules. Formula is based on traditional functions of herbs according to Chinese medical theory as well as modern medical research. These formulas were created by a UCLA/Caltech professor/MD in conjunction with Chinese trained doctor of Oriental medicine. Between the two, they created some enormously effective herb formulas that make use of the best of both worlds.
Because of the Chai Hu in this formula, it is not recommended for those taking Interferon therapy for Hepatitis. Contains no salt, sugar, starch, yeast, wheat, corn, mild, or preservatives. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10 g
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae) 10 g
Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi) 10 g
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 7 g
Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) 10 g
Bai Zi Ren (Semen Biotae Orientalis) 10 g
Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae) 17 g
Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae) 14 g
Bo He (Herba Menthas Haplocalycis) 10 g
- Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
- Natural distribution:
- Central China
- Parts used:
- Roots
- Nature:
- Sweet and pungent; warm
- Affinity:
- Liver, spleen
- Effects:
- Tonic to blood; emennagogue; promotes circulation; analgesic; sedative; laxative
- Indications:
- Menstrual disorders: dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, amenorrhea; blood deficiency: painful scarring in traumatic injuries, postnatal abdominal pain; rheumatic pains
- Remarks:
- This is one of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicine, widely used in China and Japan, and recently is becoming more popular in the United States. The herb contains two active components that exert effects on the uterus. Other effects include: dilation of coronary arteries; reduction of respiratory rate; stimulation of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow; stimulation of human growth factors from muscle tissues: immunomodulatory activity; hepatoprotective effects; and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties
NOTE: This formula contains Dang Gui, which should not be taken with any medication(s) that have anticoagulant activity, such as warfarin. This herb can significantly lower the prothrombin time.
- Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae lactiflorae)
- Natural distribution:
- Zhejiang, Anhui, Sichuan, Guizhou, Shandong
- Parts used:
- Root
- Nature:
- Bitter, sour, cool
- Affinity:
- Liver and spleen
- Effects:
- Nourish blood; pacify liver; retain yin; calm liver yang and alleviate pain
- Indications:
- blood deficiency with menstrual dysfunction; uterine bleeding; flank, chest and abdominal pain; spasms and cramping in abdomen; headache and dizziness; spontaneous sweating
- Remarks:
- This herb has been found to increase leukocyte count, including lymphocyte number. Studies have shown peripheral vasodilation effects as well as sedative, analgesic, antipyretic and antispasmodic effects.
- Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi rotundi)
- Natural distribution:
- Asia, Australia, America, Europe
- Parts used:
- Roots and tubercles
- Nature:
- Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet; neutral
- Affinity:
- Liver, pericardium
- Effects:
- Regulates liver energy; emmenagogue; sedative; analgesic
- Indications:
- Liver energy stagnation; oppression in chest and pain in ribcage, stomach ache, dyspepsia; ammenorrhea; dysmenorrhea
- Remarks:
- The dried tuber consists of an essential oil whose major components are a- and b-cyperol. The herb has been shown to stimulate gastric secretion and increase the motility of the stomach. In addition, it has an antibacterial effect. The herb has been described as a “smoothing” agent for the liver, a “regulation” agent for the circulation of qi, and as an agent for pain relief.
- Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
- Natural distribution:
- Northern China, northern Europe
- Parts used:
- Root
- Nature:
- Bitter; neutral
- Affinity:
- Pericardium, liver, triple-burner, gallbladder
- Effects:
- Antipyretic; sedative to liver, anti-inflammatory
- Indications:
- Intermittent fevers and chills; chills/fever accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, flank pain, irritability, abdominal bloating, nausea and indigestion
- Remarks:
- The root contains bupleurumol and the saponins: saikoside Ia, Ib, and II. The herb has a marked antipyretic effect, exhibiting an inhibitiory effect on the body’s temperature. It has been used as an antibacterial agent, in addition to treatment of acute pancreatitis, gastritis, acute and cholecystitis. It has sedative, analgesic and antitussive actions. It has also been used as an antibacterial and antimalarial agent. In tests of anti-inflammatory actions, radix bupleuri was found to block the increase in capillary permeability induced by histamine and serotonin. Specific factors within the root have been found to stimulate croticotropin-releasing factor from the hypothalamus, ACTH secretion and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland. Other components (saikosaponin D) have been found to extert an immunoregulatory effect on thymocytes and on interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 production. Note: Because of the Chai Hu in this formula, it is not recommended for those taking Interferon therapy for Hepatitis.
- Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae)
- Natural distribution:
- Northern China
- Parts used:
- Rhizomes and stems
- Nature:
- Bitter; cold
- Affinity:
- Lungs, stomach kidneys
- Effects:
- Antipyretic; demulcent; tonic to kidneys
- Indications:
- Body heat, irritability, thirst, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis; “yin-empty ailments
- Remarks:
- This drug is *incompatible with iron preparations. This herb is reported to exert a dose-dependent hypoglycemic effect (reduction of blood sugar) via inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis. The herb does not effect glucose uptake nor insulin release.
- Bai Zi Ren (Semen Biotae orientalis)
- Natural distribution:
- Throughout China
- Parts used:
- Seeds
- Nature:
- Sweet and neutral
- Affinity:
- Heart, kidney, large intestine and spleen
- Effects:
- Diminish irritability, insomnia, forgetfulness and palpitations
- Indications:
- Nourish heart; calm spirit; moisten intestine
- Remarks:
- The herb is reported to shorten blood clotting time, contain antibacterial properties, and relax smooth muscles. It also causes bronchodilation due to anticholinergic mechanisms.
- Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae glutinosae)
- Natural distribution:
- Henan, Liaoning, Shandong, Zhejiang
- Parts used:
- Root
- Nature:
- Sweet, bitter and cold
- Affinity:
- Heart, kidney and liver
- Effects:
- Cool the blood, reduce heart; nourish fluids; cool rise of heart-fire
- Indications:
- presence of heat causing fever and thirst; heat signs; irritability; insomnia, flushed face
- Remarks:
- Chinese apothecaries use the herb in the treatment of dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatis and acute tonsillitis. Studies have shown that the root lowers blood sugar, producing a hypoglycemic effect, and increases the activity of hepatic glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase. Immune effects have been noted, with positive immunomodulation of T lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production; inhibition of natural killer (NK) cell activity. The polysaccharide component of this herb stimulates bone marrow hemopoietic cells. In addition, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities have been reported.
- Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi spinosae)
- Natural distribution:
- China, Japan, India, Afganistan, Malaysia
- Parts used:
- Seeds
- Nature:
- Sweet and sour; neutral
- Affinity:
- Heart, spleen, liver, gallbladder
- Effects:
- Sedative to the liver; cardiotonic; nutrient, tonic to yin; inhibits perspiration
- Indications:
- Insomnia; neurasthenia; heart palpitations; cold sweats
- Remarks:
- A traditional Chinese herb that is used to calm and stabilize the mind (reduce anxiety and irritation). Some laboratory studies suggest the herb has a tranquilizing effect and can increase sleep time.
- Bo He (Herba Menthas haplocalycis)
- Natural distribution:
- China, Southeast Asia, Europe
- Parts used:
- Tender stalks and leaves
- Nature:
- Pungent; cool
- Affinity:
- Lung, liver
- Effects:
- Diaphoretic; carminative; stomachic; stimulant
- Indications:
- Colds, headaches, and sore throat due to “wind-heat”
- Remarks:
- Menthol has been shown to stimulate gastrointestinal tract motility, dispel gas, desensitize sensory irritation, stimulate the central nervous system, and induce peripheral vasodilation.
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