Can the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa, Astragalus complanatus seeds, and Paeonia lactiflora regulate menstruation?
Aug 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) can help regulate menstruation, although its effectiveness may be limited. Dosage adjustments should be made according to specific symptoms when regulating menstruation: for individuals with light menstrual flow, the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa may be appropriately increased; for those experiencing significant abdominal pain during menstruation, the proportion of Paeonia lactiflora can be increased. Patients with weak spleen and stomach should control the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa to avoid excessive greasiness that may impair gastric function and absorption. This combination should be discontinued during periods of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Generally speaking, the combination of Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Astragalus complanatus (Sha Yuan Zi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) can help regulate menstruation, but its effectiveness is limited. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Rehmannia glutinosa is sweet, warm, and moist in nature, acting on the liver and kidney meridians. It is particularly effective in nourishing blood and enriching yin, providing a sufficient blood foundation for menstruation. It directly benefits conditions such as light menstrual flow, pale color, and prolonged cycle caused by blood deficiency. Astragalus complanatus acts on the liver and kidney meridians to nourish the liver and replenish the kidneys. When the liver and kidneys are strong, the production of qi and blood has sufficient sources, thereby improving menstrual irregularities caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys. Its astringent property also helps alleviate prolonged menstruation and prolonged spotting. Paeonia lactiflora is sweet and slightly cold, acting on the liver and spleen meridians; it can nourish blood and regulate menstruation, soothe the liver and relieve pain. It not only supplements liver blood to promote smooth menstruation but also alleviates discomfort such as abdominal pain and backache during menstruation caused by liver qi stagnation and blood deficiency. Together, these three herbs work synergistically to regulate menstruation through multiple approaches, including nourishing blood, strengthening the liver and kidneys, and relieving menstrual pain.
When regulating menstruation, the dosage should be adjusted according to specific symptoms. Those with very light menstrual flow may appropriately increase the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa. Those experiencing significant abdominal pain during menstruation may increase the proportion of Paeonia lactiflora. Patients with weak spleen and stomach should control the dosage of Rehmannia glutinosa to avoid excessive greasiness that may impair the stomach and affect absorption. These herbs should be temporarily discontinued during periods of heavy menstrual bleeding to prevent exacerbating blood loss. It is recommended to use them under professional guidance, customized according to individual conditions, to ensure both efficacy and safety.
