Chinese herbal medicine has an extraordinary depth of knowledge about women's health. Over 2,000 years, practitioners developed precise formulas for the conditions women face at every stage of life. Here are five of the most important — and most commonly used in my Portland practice.
1. Xiao Yao San — Free and Easy Wanderer
This is probably the most prescribed Chinese herbal formula in history. Xiao Yao San is the go-to formula for liver qi stagnation — the pattern behind PMS, irritability, breast tenderness, irregular periods, and stress-related digestive upset.
The name translates to "Free and Easy Wanderer" — it liberates stuck energy so you can move through life more gracefully. I prescribe it frequently for women in their 30s and 40s dealing with the compounded stresses of career, family, and hormonal shifts.
2. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan — Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill
This is the foundational kidney yin tonic in Chinese medicine. Kidney yin is the cool, moistening, restorative aspect of our constitution — and it naturally declines as we age. This makes Liu Wei Di Huang Wan essential for menopause symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, dry vagina, and insomnia.
It's also used for chronic conditions involving dryness — dry eyes, dry skin, tinnitus — and for the exhaustion that follows prolonged illness or stress.
3. Dang Gui — Dong Quai
Dang Gui is the most celebrated herb in women's Chinese medicine — sometimes called the "female ginseng." It builds and moves blood, making it essential for blood deficiency (fatigue, pale face, dizziness, scanty periods) and blood stagnation (painful periods, fibroids, clotty bleeding).
It's rarely used alone — it's an ingredient in dozens of classical formulas designed for fertility, postpartum recovery, menstrual irregularity, and menopausal transition.
4. Yu Ping Feng San — Jade Windscreen
This three-herb formula strengthens the immune system — specifically your wei qi, the defensive energy that protects you from external pathogens. It's excellent for people who get sick frequently, especially in fall and winter. It also dramatically reduces allergy reactivity when taken preventively.
I prescribe this starting in late September to build immune resilience through cold and flu season.
5. Suan Zao Ren Tang — Sour Date Seed Decoction
For insomnia, anxiety, and heart palpitations, this classical formula nourishes the heart and liver blood and calms the shen (spirit). It's specifically designed for the person who lies awake with a racing mind — especially around 1 to 3am, which corresponds to liver time in Chinese medicine's organ clock.
Unlike pharmaceutical sleep aids, it's non-addictive and doesn't cause morning grogginess. It works gently over weeks of consistent use.
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Amy Chitwood Burslem is a licensed acupuncturist at Calm Acupuncture in SW Portland. She offers a free initial phone consultation.
Schedule a consultationFrequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese herbal formulas safe with Western medications?
Some herbs interact with medications — this is exactly why you should work with a licensed practitioner who can check for interactions. Never take Chinese herbs without telling your prescribing doctor.
Can I take these formulas without seeing an acupuncturist?
Pre-made herbal formulas are available online, but they work best when prescribed for your specific pattern. A one-size-fits-all approach to herbs is less effective — and sometimes counterproductive.
How long does it take for Chinese herbs to work?
Acute conditions may respond within a few days. Chronic hormonal issues typically show improvement in 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. Formulas are adjusted as your pattern changes.