Herbs Traditionally Used for Menstrual irregularity
The Donguibogam view
The Donguibogam reads menstruation as a mirror of the blood. Its gynecology sections divide irregularity into deficient blood, cold-congealed blood, and blood failing to move — recording tonifying, warming, and invigorating herbs for each, with Samul-tang at the center.
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for menstrual irregularity and pain, with original citations. With possible pregnancy or heavy bleeding, medical care comes before any herbal reference.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Bleeding or pain when pregnancy is possible
- Bleeding heavy enough to soak a pad every hour or two
- Bleeding that returns after menopause
- Menstrual pain that worsens over time (endometriosis evaluation)
Herbs recorded for this concern
Korean Angelica Root當歸
Danggwi is the foremost blood tonic of Korean tradition, central to formulas such as Samul-tang. Its name…
Recorded as governing the blood — breaking the old, nourishing the new — the sovereign herb of Samul-tang and women's blood patterns.
Peony Root芍藥
Peony root partners danggwi at the heart of Samul-tang, the foundational blood-nourishing formula. Tradit…
Recorded as freeing menstrual flow and easing pain — peony partners danggwi in Samul-tang for both irregularity and cramps.
Prepared Rehmannia Root熟地黃
Prepared rehmannia is the richest blood-nourishing root in Korean tradition, made by steaming and drying …
Recorded as greatly tonifying weakened blood — the base herb where flow is scanty and pallor marks blood deficiency.
Cnidium Rhizome芎藭
Cnidium rhizome is celebrated in Korean tradition as the premier herb for blood-related headache, prized …
Recorded as breaking stagnant blood and nourishing new — the moving fourth member of Samul-tang.
Cinnamon Bark桂皮
Cinnamon bark is the great warmer of the traditional pharmacy. Where ginger warms the surface and the sto…
Recorded as freeing the vessels and warming the center — combined for cold-aggravated cramps and irregularity with chill.
Frequently asked questions
What is Samul-tang?
The foundational four-herb blood formula — danggwi, peony, cnidium, prepared rehmannia — pairing nourishing herbs with moving ones so blood is replenished without congealing.
Does cinnamon tea help menstrual cramps?
Cinnamon is recorded as freeing the vessels and warming the center, traditionally combined for cold-aggravated cramps. Caution applies during heavy flow and in heat-excess constitutions.
Can herbs regulate an irregular cycle?
Tradition left pattern-based approaches, but modern causes — thyroid, PCOS — matter first. See a doctor for persistent irregularity; herbal reference belongs under professional guidance.