11+ Best Herbs For Managing Irregular Periods [2024]
February 8, 2024
Essential Takeaways
- Unpredictable menstrual cycles, excessive pain or bleeding, and abnormally short or long cycles are all types of irregular periods.
- Irregular periods can happen due to lifestyle changes or as a result of an underlying health condition.
- Some people may find relief from irregular periods by taking a customized blend of high-quality Chinese herbs.
When your period becomes unpredictable in length, schedule, or heaviness, it’s normal to feel concerned or frustrated. Many women turn to herbs for irregular periods to get back on track and return to a more regular menstrual cycle.
This article will review some of the best Chinese herbs to improve your period regularity.
What Are Irregular Periods?
Irregular periods can include any menstrual cycle that falls outside of the average length or pattern. For example, if your periods come fewer than 25 days apart or longer than 35 days apart, this would be an irregular period schedule, since a standard cycle is around 28 days.
The following situations also fall under the category of irregular periods:
- The number of days between each period changes from month to month with no identifiable pattern.
- The amount of blood varies noticeably from one period to the next.
- You haven’t gotten a period in more than three months, but are not pregnant.
- A period lasts longer than seven days.
- You experience severe menstrual pain, vomiting, or nausea during your period.
- Spotting occurs between periods.
There are many possible causes of irregular periods. In some cases, irregular periods are a sign of endometriosis, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, or other conditions. Understanding the root cause of irregular or abnormal menstruation is key to proper treatment. Talk to your primary care doctor to ensure that no further steps are needed to address an irregular menstrual cycle.
It’s also very common for menstrual cycles to change in response to shifting lifestyle factors such as stress, weight loss or gain, and illness. For example, athletes with very low body fat, like gymnasts, frequently have irregular periods or no periods. Hormonal birth control may also cause irregular periods.
In these cases, using herbs for irregular periods can be an excellent option for managing symptoms and regaining hormonal balance.
How Can Herbs Help With Irregular Periods?
Taking a personalized blend of high-quality herbs can support the body in finding hormonal balance and reducing pain. Some herbs have properties that mimic the body’s hormones, while others help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
The exact blend and dose of herbs that are most likely to ease someone’s symptoms will depend on their health background and particular menstrual patterns.
Balances Hormones
Some herbs interact with hormone receptors in the body or mimic the function of estrogen or testosterone. By identifying your hormone needs and taking a custom herbal blend tailored to you, you can balance your hormones naturally and restore normal function.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Across both Eastern and Western societies, anti-inflammatory foods and supplements are recognized for their ability to prevent cellular stress and promote a healthy gut. Integrating herbs into your routine that can reduce inflammation may help promote a more regular and comfortable period.
Relieves Menstrual Pain
Many women are simply advised to take painkillers when they raise concerns about irregular periods and menstrual pain. However, painkillers come with a suite of side effects and risks, making many people understandably hesitant to take them for days on end every month.
Fortunately, some herbs can help relieve menstrual cramps and headaches.
Of course, not all herbs will help with irregular periods. Unfortunately, as herbal medicine becomes more popular in Western society, a growing number of people are attempting to self-prescribe herbs and choose their own doses. This approach is risky because herbs and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning it can be difficult to know what you are truly buying. Herbs can also have adverse interactions with one another and with common medications and health conditions.
The best way to safely use Chinese herbal medicine is with the help of a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor.
The right blend of herbs will depend on your specific needs, conditions, and symptoms. With Qi Health, you can meet with a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor who will formulate a customized blend of Chinese herbal medicine to support your goals.
Using over 25 years of experience, each Qi Health doctor is thoroughly trained in herbal medicine with a deep understanding of each herb’s uses and behaviors. This knowledge and experience allow them to create highly personalized herbal medicine plans for each and every patient.
Learn how to improve your cycle health through herbal medicine.
Best Herb To Use For Irregular Periods
It’s also best to consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor through Qi Health to get a fully customized herbal medicine plan full of high-quality, natural herbs. In many cases, a blend of herbs for irregular periods will include the following:
1. Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis)
What it is: Ze Xie is a dried tuber sometimes referred to as water plantain. It is commonly used to support urinary tract health and digestive health. For those experiencing nausea, diarrhea, or digestive issues during their menstrual cycle, ze xie may help.
How it can help:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports healthy digestion
- Treats diarrhea
2. Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae)
What it is: Also known as Cape Jasmine Fruit or Gardenia, zhi zi is a flower used to invigorate the blood and clear heat. It is also used to treat bleeding syndromes like nosebleeds or blood in the vomit. Its anti-inflammatory and mood regulating properties make it a popular herb to benefit menstrual health.
How it can help:
- Regulates mood
- Reduces inflammation
- Aids sleep
3. Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
What it is: Ren shen, or ginseng root, is popular among athletes thanks to its ability to aid muscle recovery. It can help improve mental function and increase energy and libido. Those with diarrhea or digestive issues during the menstrual cycle may benefit from taking ren shen.
How it can help:
- Reduces stress
- Regulates nervous system
- Treats high blood pressure
- Sharpens mind
- Supports digestion and reduces diarrhea
4. Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata)
What it is: Also called Chinese foxglove root, shu di huang is a popular herb for women’s health. Commonly used to ease menopause symptoms, shu di huang is also helpful for treating irregular periods. It nourishes the blood and regulates uterine bleeding for a more predictable and comfortable period.
How it can help:
- Nourishes blood
- Treats uterine bleeding
- Supports sleep
- Improves mental clarity
5. Hong Hua (Flos Carthami)
What it is: Hong hua, more commonly known in the West as safflower or saffron, has long been used to treat gynecological problems. Since it promotes healthy blood circulation and reduces blood clots, it is one of the top herbs for irregular periods. This flower soothes abdominal pain while regulating the menstrual cycle.
How it can help:
- Increases blood flow
- Reduces blood clots
- Treats painful or heavy periods
6. Tao Ren (Semen Persicae)
What it is: Tao ren, or peach kernel, is a dried and peeled seed packed with health benefits and nutritional value. This herb helps promote healthy circulation and treat menstrual irregularities. It is also used to treat other women’s health concerns such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
How it can help:
- Treats blood stagnation
- Promotes healthy circulation
- Supports regular menstruation
7. Chi Shao (Paeonia Rubra)
What it is: Widely used to treat blood stagnation, chi shao, or red peony root, has a range of health benefits and uses. This dried root aids circulation and helps regulate menstruation. It can help soothe nausea and is a top herb for menstrual cramps.
How it can help:
- Soothes nausea
- Reduces menstrual cramps
- Promotes circulation
- Regulates menstruation
8. Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
What it is: Commonly used as a treatment for cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, dan shen (or red sage) is a root known to invigorate the blood. Many people use it to treat blood stasis in the lower Jiao, which is particularly helpful for addressing gynecological issues such as irregular periods and dysmenorrhea. It may also reduce insomnia and irritability.
How it can help:
- Improves mood and sleep
- Supports a regular menstrual cycle
- Invigorates the blood
9. He Huan Pi (Cortex Albizziae)
What it is: He huan pi is the dried bark of a flowering tree native to China. Its harmonizing qualities can help ease the emotional symptoms associated with irregular periods. This tree bark is also commonly used to treat swelling and pain.
How it can help:
- Relieves pain
- Reduces swelling
- Calms the mind
- Aids healthy sleep patterns
- Treats irritability and depression
10. Ji Xue Teng (Caulis Spatholobi)
What it is: Ji xue teng is the dried vine and root of a bush native to China. This herb helps to nourish the blood and promote blood flow, which is why it is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle. It may also help alleviate abdominal pain.
How it can help:
- Eases pain in the abdomen
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Nourishes the blood
11. Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi)
What it is: Nu zhen zi is a berry that is traditionally used to treat dizziness, lower back soreness, and more. Also called privet berries or Chinese privet, nu zhen zi is believed to nourish and tonify the kidneys and the liver. It can support healthy digestion and relieve hormonal acne.
How it can help:
- Relieves hormonal acne
- Nourishes the kidneys
- Treats soreness
More Information About Herbs and Irregular Periods
As you explore the possibility of finding relief through herbs for irregular periods, it’s natural to have questions. Dig into some of the most frequently asked questions about herbs and irregular periods, and keep in mind that every person’s health and needs are different.
The best way to find answers to your specific concerns is by talking with your doctor and consulting with a functional medicine doctor.
Get in touch with Qi Health to get all your questions answered
Is My Irregular Period Something More?
Noticing that your period is irregular in length, heaviness, schedule, or pain level can be stressful. Especially for those who practice cycle tracking, an irregular period can throw off various other lifestyle decisions.
Most of the time, irregular periods are not a sign of a troubling health problem. Lifestyle changes, excessive exercise, stress, and other shifts can all impact your period. At the same time, an irregular period is sometimes a sign of something more.
Visiting your doctor can help you determine whether your irregular period is simply a side effect of lifestyle changes or if it is due to underlying conditions such as:
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine or ovarian cancer
Your doctor can order tests and evaluate your specific symptoms to determine whether another health factor needs to be addressed.
Do Herbs Have Other Benefits?
Taking a personalized blend of high-quality herbs can have a wealth of benefits for your overall health. Many of the best herbs for menstruation help to boost energy, improve mood, relieve pain naturally, treat skin problems, and aid sleep.
Depending on the customized blend of herbs you take, you will likely experience general health benefits including but not limited to a happier, more regular period.
Are There Other Ways To Regulate Periods?
Just as lifestyle changes can cause irregular periods, you can also use lifestyle changes to help regulate your menstrual cycle. Getting plenty of rest and sleep, practicing moderate exercise on a regular basis, and eating a healthy diet can all help regulate your period.
It’s also important to take steps to manage your stress and look after your mental health by getting plenty of sunlight and making time for the activities and people you love most.
Another way to ensure your period is regular and predictable is to use hormonal birth control. However, this route often causes other disruptions and side effects. Talking with your doctor is the best way to determine whether hormonal birth control is best for you.
What is the herbal medicine for abnormal periods?
The herbs mentioned above are some of the most common elements in herbal medicine for abnormal periods. The exact blend of herbs that will work best for each person will depend on their specific health history, past conditions, current symptoms, and other medications.
The certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors at Qi Health take all of these factors into account when formulating the best personalized herbal medicine blend for abnormal periods.
How can I make my period come if it's irregular?
It’s not always possible to induce your period safely and naturally. In some cases, the following home remedies can help induce a period:
- Stretch and do yoga
- Manage stress and practice self-care
- Increase your intake of Vitamin C, ginger, turmeric and pineapple
- Try a personalized herbal blend from Qi Health
What is the herbal tonic for irregular periods?
Since countless symptoms and concerns all fall under the umbrella of “irregular periods,” there is no singular herbal tonic to treat them. The best way to identify an herbal tonic for irregular periods that will address your specific symptoms is to talk with a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor about your concerns and health goals.
Which drink is best for irregular periods?
Some herbal remedies are best consumed as a drink like tea. Ginger tea is a common household remedy for irregular periods, and you can also drink beverages with high vitamin C content such as orange or grapefruit juice.
Start Regulating Your Period With Herbs
Being able to accurately track and predict the menstrual cycle is key for effectively managing symptoms and adjusting your lifestyle. It’s common to optimize nutrition based on the four phases of the menstrual cycle and even choose exercise routines based on your current menstrual phase.
Fortunately, regulating your period without hormonal birth control or other concerning side effects is possible. Many people are turning to Chinese medicine to improve the schedule, length, and heaviness of their period and find predictability in their cycle.
While there are many herbal remedies available online, it’s important to remember that they are not all the same. All herbs at Qi Health are natural, lab-tested, and high quality to ensure the best possible results.
Through personalized herbal medicine, many women have been able to find a life free of monthly pain medications, heavy periods interfering with plans, terrible headaches, and more. Qi Health helps women find a balanced and predictable monthly cycle. “I got a normal period cycle and flow for the first time in years after taking the herbs,” says Qi Health patient, Anna.
Consult with a certified Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor to discover the ideal blend of herbs for your health goals and history. You’ll get personalized combinations and doses of herbs along with follow-up visits to check in on your progress and adjust your herbal remedy plan as needed.
Getting started is easy.
External Sources:
- Menstrual Cycle - What’s Normal, What’s Not - Mayo Clinic
- Irregular Periods - Cleveland Clinic
- Harvard School of Public Health - The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Stram Center for Integrative Medicine
- Science Direct
- All Things Health - Tao Ren
- RX List - Peony
- WebMD - Dan Shen
- All Things Health - Glossy Privet Fruit
- NHS - Irregular Periods
- Healthline - Natural Remedies to Induce Your Period