This article is part of the TCM Masters' Experience Collection, designed to let lovers of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experience its timeless wisdom and give intermediate learners clinical insights for practice.

If you have mastered TCM basics-Yin-Yang and Five Elements, Four Examinations, and common formulas for mild issues-this Advanced TCM Path is your next step. We move from what to why, leveling up your clinical understanding together.

A unique strength of TCM is its heritage. Many families pass down proven prescriptions, rarely shared publicly. Those who offer them freely embody true benevolence.

National senior TCM master He Ren-founding father of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University-generously shared a family formula passed down through three generations. In his words: "I often modify this formula for internal and gynecological diseases, with remarkable and consistent results."

Derived from the classic Shang Han Lun formula Peony & Licorice Decoction, originally for muscle spasms from Yin-fluid depletion after mistreated cold damage, the He family refined it for neurosis and perimenopausal syndrome. This "old formula, new use" shows how heritage evolves without abandoning roots.

 

Core Pathogenesis: Yin Deficiency + Qi Stagnation

Peony & Licorice Decoction targets:Insufficient body fluids to nourish tissues; insufficient blood to relax tendonsThis matches the root cause of perimenopausal syndrome.

Classic Case (from He Ren's Clinical Experience Essentials)

Patient: Ms. Xu, 48, perimenopausal

Irregular menstruation

Irritability, suspicion, mood swings

Poor sleep, restlessness at night

Rib pain, abdominal bloating

Loose or dry stools, fatigue

TCM Diagnosis:Tongue: thin white coatingPulse: wiry (sign of Liver Qi Stagnation)Pattern: Nutritive Yin Deficiency, Qi-Blood Disharmony, Liver Qi Stagnation

Master He's Formula (5 Doses)

White Peony (Bai Shao) 15g

Honey-Fried Licorice 9g

Bupleurum (Chai Hu) 9g

Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi) 12g

Unripe Wheat (Huai Xiao Mai) 30g

Prepared Cyperus (Zhi Xiang Fu) 9g

Jujube (Da Zao) 7 pieces

Results after 5 doses:Sleep greatly improved; mood calmed; irritability reduced; bloating gone; stools normal. Only occasional rib pain remained.

Modified 5 Doses: Added Turmeric (Yu Jin) 9g to boost Qi movement and blood circulation.Final outcome: All symptoms resolved; menstruation regulated; full recovery.

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Why It Works: Yin Nourishment + Liver Soothing

Perimenopause follows the Huang Di Nei Jing:"At 49, a woman's Ren and Chong meridians decline; Tian Kui exhausts."

As Kidney Qi and Yin decline:

Tissues lack nourishment

Liver (which needs Yin to stay soft) becomes stagnant

Irritability, pain, insomnia, and hormone-like chaos follow

Key Mechanism: Sour-Sweet Combination Nourishes Yin

White Peony (sour): Generates fluids, nourishes Yin, harmonizes blood

Honey-Fried Licorice (sweet): Tonifies the Spleen, relieves spasms and painTogether: sour-sweet engenders Yin-the foundational TCM method for perimenopausal relief.

Master He's formula unites three classics:

Peony & Licorice Decoction: Nourish Yin, relax the Liver

Si Ni San: Soothe Liver Qi, lift stagnation

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang: Calm the Heart, ease restlessness

With Cyperus-"chief commander of Qi disorders, general of women's disorders"-it strongly regulates Qi and improves gynecological comfort.

 

Boost the Effect: Add Cistanche tubulosa - The Superior Herb for Perimenopause & Liver-Kidney Support

To enhance Yin nourishment, Kidney support, and hormonal balance-especially for Western users-we strongly recommend adding high-purity Cistanche tubulosa extract.

 

Why Cistanche tubulosa?

Highest active ingredients among all cistanche species

Rich in echinacoside, acteoside, total phenylethanol glycosides

Clinically shown to:

Nourish Kidney Yin and Essence

Soothe the Liver and soften Liver Yang

Improve fatigue, mood, and sleep

Support hormonal balance in perimenopause

Act as a safe, natural herb for perimenopausal syndrome

Serve as an excellent herb for liver and kidney nourishment

 

For Daily Care (Easy Tea Blend)

For mild symptoms or those who prefer convenience:

White Peony 6g

Honey-Fried Licorice 3g

Bupleurum 3g

Jujube 2 pieces

Unripe Wheat 15g

Cistanche tubulosa extract 1–3g (add for stronger Yin & Kidney support)

Steep in boiling water for 20 minutes; drink daily after meals.

Important Note

Perimenopause is a natural life transition, not a disease. TCM does not "fight" this stage-it harmonizes Qi and blood, nourishes Yin, and softens the Liver to help you transition smoothly.

With the right herbs-especially premium Cistanche tubulosa-your body can regain balance naturally.

 

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