YY Period Care Routine– The Yellow Pack
In this series of articles, join us as we take you through the design process of Ying Yi’s star product - the YY Period Care Routine tea. We hope to share we select the formula, and how the tea could nourish our body to help with the menstrual cycle. Based on the clinical trials and practice throughout a thousand years, here are the things you should know about The White Pack.
By Physician Claire Shao
7 mins read
Key Takeaways:
• Liver qi stagnation is said to affect the blood and contribute to mood swings, pain, irritability, constipation, abdominal pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular periods.
• Stress and depression can contribute to poor qi and blood regulation in both the liver and the spleen.
In TCM, Xiao Yao San, also known as Ease Powder or Bupleurum & Peony Formula (加味逍遙散), is known to be a versatile ingredient and can improve health in many ways, from relieving stress and anxiety to moderately boosting energy levels.
Xiao Yao San is a blend of herbs that has been used for centuries in TCM. TCM Practitioners believe Xiao Yao San works by clearing liver stagnation to improve the flow of qi. Liver qi stagnation is said to affect the blood and contribute to mood swings, pain, irritability, constipation, abdominal pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular periods. This malfunction can flow to the spleen qi (no pun intended), which may also start to stagnate, contributing to poor appetite and mental fatigue.
The spleen is known as the source of “acquired constitution” in TCM. It is part of the lymphatic system and is responsible for digestion and absorption processes in our bodies. Meanwhile, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi and blood in our bodies. These organs can be easily affected by excessive stress and unregulated emotions.
Depression or any other etiological factors makes the liver unable to regulate qi and blood smoothly. In turn, it can lead to liver qi stagnation and blood deficiency, which may then cause hypochondriac pain, headaches and dizziness. Liver qi stagnation also affects the circulation of qi in the spleen. When spleen qi stagnates, food absorption becomes weak, leading to poor appetite and mental fatigue, which are some symptoms of spleen asthenia.
Under such conditions, blood deficiency and irregular menstruation can occur. Some women are fortunate enough to experience symptom-free monthly periods. However, about 75% of women suffer from symptoms such as breast tenderness, hormonal acne, unmanageable mood swings before and during menstruation. From the TCM perspective, poor blood circulation means a lack of nourishment to our bodies so when stagnation is left untreated, it can generate ‘heat’ in our bodies, causing a series of physical and/or emotional symptoms. The Covid-19 pandemic certainly doesn’t help and has exacerbated some negative physiological responses in our bodies as well as varying degrees of depression and anxiety.
So how can the Yellow Pack help? Our modified formula contains Mint(薄荷) to disperse liver qi, remove qi stagnation, and clear the heat, Combined with Wolfberry(枸杞), which is believed to regulate the endocrine system and strengthen immunity, Chinese Angelica (當歸) and White Peony Root (白芍) nourish the liver and blood. Hawthorn Fruit (山楂) is added to promote digestive function while Liquorice Root (甘草) serves to invigorate the spleen and simultaneously used in combination with Bai Shao to effectively relieve muscle contractions typically associated with PMS. This stalwart formula promises to ease those nagging monthly discomforts and contribute to a better overall physical and mental well-being.
