Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Beng Lou is the general term for vaginal bleeding in women outside of their menstrual period. The primary clinical manifestation is vaginal bleeding. When the bleeding is heavy and occurs suddenly, it is referred to as “Xue Beng” or “Beng Xia”; when the bleeding is scanty but persistent, it is known as “Lou Xia”. This condition commonly occurs during adolescence and menopause. In modern medicine, vaginal bleeding due to conditions such as functional uterine bleeding, inflammation of the female reproductive organs, and tumors all fall within the scope of Beng Lou. Here, we focus on the causes, signs of imbalance, and supportive approaches for functional uterine bleeding.
The characteristics of dysfunctional uterine bleeding are manifested in two forms:
1. Regular menstrual bleeding, prolonged period with heavy flow.
2. Irregular bleeding, either heavy or in continuous dribbling, with varying duration. Long-term bleeding may affect the body’s ability to maintain normal blood health.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the occurrence of this condition is primarily related to the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney. (1) Liver: Emotional stimulation may lead to Liver Qi Stagnation. Prolonged stagnation can transform into heat, and excessive heat may force blood to move erratically, affecting the normal containment of blood. (2) Spleen: Excessive worry can impair the Spleen, or dietary irregularities may damage Spleen Qi. Spleen deficiency fails to contain blood, causing extravasation of nutrient blood. Alternatively, in individuals with constitutional Yang excess and blood heat, improper diet may cause the Spleen to be unable to transport dampness. Dampness transforms into heat, leading to internal accumulation of damp-heat, which may also cause blood to move recklessly. (3) Kidney: The Kidney is the foundation of prenatal essence. Insufficient Kidney Qi or depletion of Yin and blood due to severe or chronic wellness may result in Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency. This can cause the Chong and Ren meridians to fail in securing and containing blood, leading to blood not being properly contained.
In traditional Chinese medicine, patterns of uterine bleeding are classified into four types, and pattern differentiation and supports are applied according to different etiologies.
1. Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Heat (commonly observed in adolescent uterine bleeding wellness or early onset): Premenstrual chest and rib distension with pain, irritability, dizziness and headache, dry mouth, dark urine, constipation, heavy menstrual flow with bright red or deep red color, thick texture with clots, red tongue body, thin white coating, and a wiry, slippery, slightly rapid pulse. The therapeutic approach supports Liver function and helps maintain emotional balance, and helps maintain a balanced internal environment while supporting healthy blood function.
2. Spleen Qi Failing to Control Blood (commonly seen in individuals with prolonged bleeding): dizziness and blurred vision, pale complexion, edema of the face and lower limbs, loss of appetite, loose stools, palpitations, insomnia, heavy menstrual bleeding with pale color and thin consistency, pale tongue body with thin white coating, fine and moderate pulse. Therapeutic principle: support Spleen Qi and secure the Chong and Ren meridians.
3. Damp-Heat Accumulation (commonly seen in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding accompanied by lower abdominal discomfort): Burning sensation in the lower abdomen, dark urine with frequent urination, yellowish thick foul-smelling leukorrhea, heavy menstruation with dark purplish-red color, red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse. supports principle: supports clearing of internal heat and draining of dampness, and helps maintain normal blood circulation and menstrual function.
4．Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency: dizziness, dry eyes, blurred vision, heat in the palms and soles, lower back soreness, leg weakness, shoulder and back soreness and heaviness, memory decline, frequent and urgent urination, tongue red or normal, pulse wiry and thin. The supports principle is to nourish the Liver and Kidney, and consolidate and protect the Chong (Penetrating) and Ren (Conception) Vessels.
1.Leonurus japonicus (Motherwort) and Cyperus rotundus (Xiangfu) Tea
Ingredients: *Leonurus japonicus* (Yimucao) 50g, *Cyperus rotundus* (Xiangfu) 15g.
Preparation method: Combine the two ingredients into a coarse powder, place into a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports the smooth flow of Qi and promotes emotional well-being. Encourages healthy blood circulation and helps maintain menstrual regularity. Assists with occasional discomfort. Traditionally used for individuals with Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Heat pattern to support normal menstrual function.
2.Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) Tea
Ingredients: 25g Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng Dihuang).
Preparation: Grind Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng Di Huang) into a coarse powder, place it in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Functions: helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports healthy blood regulation. Used for patterns of Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Heat and Damp-Heat Accumulation to promote normal menstrual function.
3.Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) Tea
Ingredients: 50-60 grams of *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi).
Preparation: Coarsely grind Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), place it in a thermos, add boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. Use one dose daily.
Efficacy: Replenishes Qi and fortifies the Spleen. supports the Spleen’s function of governing blood, helping to maintain normal menstrual flow.
4.Shen Fu Cha (Panax ginseng (Renshen) and Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi) Tea)
Ingredients: Panax ginseng (Renshen) 15 g, processed Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi) 10 g.
Preparation: Combine the above two ingredients and grind them into coarse pieces. Place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Functions: supports the middle Burner and boosts Qi, helps disperse cold and expel dampness. supports the Spleen’s ability to command blood for women with a Spleen Qi Failing to Control Blood pattern, promoting normal menstrual health.
5.Mao Gen Si Gua Cha (Imperata Root and Luffa Tea)
Ingredients: 15g Imperata cylindrica (Bai Mao Gen), 9g Luffa cylindrica (Lao Si Gua).
Preparation: Grind the two ingredients into a coarse powder, place into a thermos flask, pour in boiling water, cover and let steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. Take two doses daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain a balanced internal environment by supporting the body’s natural ability to clear heat and resolve dampness. supports healthy blood circulation and helps maintain normal blood conditions. Formulated for individuals with the Damp-Heat Accumulation pattern who may experience occasional discomfort.
6.Hanlian Ergen Cha (Eclipta and Two-Root Tea)
Ingredients: 30g each of Eclipta prostrata (Hanliancao) and Imperata cylindrica (Baimaogen), 15g of Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon Root), and 15g of rock sugar.
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
Functions: supports yin nourishment and helps maintain a balanced internal environment; promotes healthy fluid metabolism and blood circulation; and supports the body’s natural hemostatic function. This formula is intended to help maintain overall balance for individuals experiencing internal Damp-Heat retention, particularly in supporting women’s reproductive health.
7.Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) and Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao) Tea
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi), Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao), Ligustrum lucidum (Nüzhenzi), Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), Eclipta prostrata (Hanliancao), Cornus officinalis (Shanyurou), Human Placenta (Ziheche), Prepared Cyperus rotundus (Zhixiangfu), 15 g each.
Preparation method: Decoction the above herbs in water twice, combine the resulting liquids, and drink as a tea. One dosage per day, divided into morning and evening servings.
Functions: supports nourishment of the Liver and Kidney, helps maintain healthy blood production and menstrual regularity. For individuals with Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency pattern associated with occasional menstrual imbalance.
8.Euryale ferox (Qianshi) Tea
Ingredients: Euryale ferox (Qianshi) 30 grams.
Preparation: Dry-fry Euryale ferox (Qianshi) over gentle heat until cooked, then crush. Place in a thermos, steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Functions: supports Kidney health and helps maintain normal essence retention; supplements the Spleen and helps resolve dampness. This formula is traditionally used to support women’s health in cases related to a Kidney Deficiency pattern, helping to maintain normal menstrual function. It supports individuals who may experience occasional soreness in the lower back and knees, sensitivity to cold, dull complexion, and occasional forgetfulness.
9.Rosa laevigata (Jinyingzi) Tea
Ingredients: 20g Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose, Jin Ying Zi)
Preparation: Crush Rosa laevigata (Cherokee Rose Fruit) and place it into a vacuum flask. Pour in boiling water, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. Take one dose daily.
Efficacy: supports Kidney health and helps maintain normal essence retention. Aids in firming the intestines to support normal bowel movements. helps maintain normal menstrual flow in cases of occasional irregularity associated with Kidney Deficiency pattern.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been dealing with irregular spotting and had no idea TCM offered such specific tea remedies. Are there any teas you’d recommend for lighter, persistent bleeding? I’d love to try something gentle before seeing a practitioner.
私も同じような症状
This is really informative—I had no idea TCM distinguished between sudden heavy bleeding and persistent spotting for Beng Lou. The idea of using specific herbal teas to support different patterns makes so much sense. Do you have any recommendations for someone just starting out with these teas? Thanks for sharing!
Interessant! Ich wusste nicht, dass man in der TCM bei solchen Blutungsstörungen spezielle Kräutertees einsetzt. Kennt jemand Erfahrungen mit dem Rehmannia-Seidelbast-Sud? Klingt vielversprechend für leichtere Blutungen. Danke für den Einblick!
I had no idea there were specific herbal teas for this kind of issue in TCM. It’s fascinating how different patterns of bleeding are treated with such targeted remedies. Have you tried any of these teas yourself? I’d love to know if they really help with heavy bleeding or the persistent spotting.