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
Menopause is a transitional period during which a woman’s ovarian function gradually declines until it ceases completely. It is marked by the onset of menstrual irregularities and ends with the permanent cessation of menstruation (menopause), which typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this period, some women may experience a series of signs of imbalance related to declining sex hormone levels, collectively referred to as menopausal syndrome. The clinical manifestations of this condition vary widely in both presentation and severity, with only a small number of women experiencing pronounced signs of imbalance. Common manifestations include emotional agitation, tension, anxiety, fear, nervousness, suspiciousness, excessive worry, subjective assumptions, as well as episodic sensations of chills and fever, facial flushing, increased Heart rate, sweating, chest tightness, dizziness, blurred vision, and fluctuating blood pressure.
It is generally believed that the changes associated with menopause occur due to the decrease and eventual loss of estrogen, leading to gradual atrophy of reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as secondary sexual characteristics including the breasts, vulva, and pelvic floor tissues. This may also contribute to reduced sexual function and affect bone health.
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), during the menopausal period, a woman’s organ functions gradually decline. This may involve two types of pathological changes: Kidney Yin Deficiency with Liver Malnourishment and Liver Yang Rising, as well as Spleen-Kidney Deficiency. In the case of Kidney Yin Deficiency with Liver Malnourishment and Liver Yang Rising: during menopause, the Kidney Qi gradually weakens, the Thoroughfare and Conception Vessels (Chong and Ren) become depleted, and essence and blood become insufficient. If mental overexertion occurs, it further consumes nutritive yin, leading to more pronounced Kidney Yin Deficiency. When the Kidney becomes yin-deficient, the Liver loses its nourishment, resulting in Liver Yang Rising—this constitutes a pathological reaction of yin-yang imbalance. In the case of Spleen-Kidney Deficiency: during menopause, the Thoroughfare and Conception Vessels become depleted and Kidney Qi is insufficient. If the woman is constitutionally Yang deficient, then Kidney Yin becomes even more depleted and fails to warm and nourish other internal organs, which can lead to deficiency in both the Spleen and the Kidney.
1. Kidney Yin Deficiency with Liver Malnourishment and Liver Yang Hyperactivity: Dizziness and headache, irritability and restlessness, epigastric fullness and rib distension, excessive dreaming and poor sleep, dry mouth, heat in the palms and soles, tinnitus, palpitations, tidal fever and night sweats, and even elevated blood pressure readings. Tip of the tongue: red. Pulse: wiry, thin, and rapid. The management approach focuses on nourishing the Liver and Kidney to support their functions, and harmonizing the Liver Yang to maintain internal balance.
2. Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency: Irregular menstrual cycle with variable flow, possibly continuous spotting or prolonged absence; dizziness and blurred vision; lower back pain and cold extremities; poor appetite and fatigue; tastelessness in mouth and loose stools; increased nocturia; pale tongue with thin white coating; deep, thin, weak pulse. The supports principle is to support the Kidneys, strengthen the Spleen, and promote Yang warmth.
1.Foshou Yujin Cha (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis and Curcuma aromatica Tea)
Ingredients: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Foshou), Curcuma wenyujin (Yujin), Melia toosendan (Chuanlianzi), 15 grams each.
Preparation: Grind the above three ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports calming the Liver and maintaining healthy yang activity; helps regulate Qi flow and maintain internal harmony. Designed for individuals experiencing a transitional stage of life who may have patterns of Kidney Yin Deficiency, insufficient nourishment of the Liver, and ascending Liver Yang. Promotes overall balance and well-being during menopause.
2.Di Shao Nü Zhen Cha (Rehmannia-Peony-Ligustrum Tea)
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) 12g, Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) 12g, Ligustrum lucidum (Nvzhenzi) 12g, Chrysanthemum morifolium (Baiju) 9g, Phellodendron chinense (Huangbai) 9g, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Suanzaoren) 9g, Raw Dragon Bone (Longgu) and Raw Oyster Shell (Muli) 30g.
Preparation method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions, and drink as tea. One dose daily, taken in the morning and evening in divided portions.
Actions: supports the Liver and Kidney systems and helps maintain balanced Liver Yang. supports individuals with patterns of Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Malnourishment, and Liver Yang Rising, such as those experienced during the menopausal transition.
3.Anemarrhena and Eclipta Tea
Ingredients: 12g each of Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhimu), Eclipta prostrata (Hanliancao), Epimedium brevicornum (Xianlingpi), and Ligustrum lucidum (Nüzhenzi); 10g each of Phellodendron chinense (Huangbai), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Curculigo orchioides (Xianmao).
Preparation: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions, and drink as tea. One dose daily, taken in the morning and evening in divided portions.
supports yin nourishing and heat clearing, while helping to maintain balanced Liver yang. Useful for individuals experiencing Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Nourishment Deficiency, and Liver.
Menopausal Syndrome with Yang Hyperactivity Pattern
4.Gouqi Yizhi Cha (Goji Berry and Sharpleaf Galangal Tea)
Ingredients: Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) 10g, Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhiren) 10g, Ligustrum lucidum (Glossy Privet) 10g, Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta) 10g.
Preparation method: Grind the above four ingredients into coarse powder. Place in a thermal cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Benefits: supports the health of the Liver and Kidney systems and helps maintain balanced Liver function. Helps support individuals experiencing menopausal signs of imbalance associated with Kidney Yin Deficiency, insufficient nourishment of the Liver, and Liver Yang Rising.
5.Zao Mai Gan Cao Cha (Jujube Wheat Licorice Tea)
Ingredients: 10 pieces of Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao), 20 grams each of Triticum aestivum (Wheat) and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (honey-fried licorice).
Preparation method: Decoction of the above three ingredients in water to extract the juice. Drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Functions: supports Spleen function and Qi energy, nourishes the Heart and helps calm occasional restlessness. Helps support individuals with Spleen and Kidney Deficiency, particularly those with a Spleen Deficiency pattern during the menopausal transition, who may experience occasional Heart palpitations, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
6.Sanren Cha (Three-Seed Tea)
Ingredients: Ziziphus spinosa (Suanzaoren), Platycladus orientalis (Boziren), Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhuren), Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi), 10 grams each.
Preparation: Decoct the above 4 ingredients in water twice, mix the decoctions, and drink as tea. One dose daily, taken in the morning and evening.
Functions: supports Kidney and Spleen health, and nourishes the Heart to calm the spirit. Assists in maintaining well-being for individuals with Spleen and Kidney Deficiency pattern during the menopausal transition.
7.Shengdihuangjing Cha (Raw Rehmannia and Polygonatum Tea)
Ingredients: 30 g each of Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) and processed Polygonatum sibiricum (processed Huangjing).
Preparation method: Grind the two ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a thermos cup, add boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: supports yin nourishment and helps maintain a balanced internal environment, nourishes the blood, and moistens the Lungs. Helps with patterns of Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Yin Deficiency, and Liver Yang Rising during the menopausal transition.
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.
Loved reading this! 🌿 I’ve been exploring herbal teas for hot flashes and mood swings. Do you have a go-to infusion for sleep issues? Always looking for natural options that actually work.
This is so timely! I’ve been looking for natural ways to ease those hot flashes and mood swings. I never thought about trying herbal infusions from TCM. Do you have a favorite blend for sleep or night sweats? Would love to hear what’s worked for others! 🌿
This is so timely! I’ve been looking for natural ways to ease the hot flashes and mood swings. Which infusion would you recommend for someone just starting to notice perimenopause symptoms? Would love to try one that’s gentle and easy to find. Thanks for sharing these!