Let's talk about PMS. In the Western medicine system, it is not understood well and no proper protocol helps treat the root cause. Laypeople understand PMS as more of a theoretical phenomenon, only acknowledging surface-level symptoms but luckily TCM understands the root cause of PMS as liver qi stagnation.

Liver qi stagnation can be caused by excess heat in the liver (observe your anger/worry) and is aggravated by excess caffeine intake, poor diet and lifestyle, improper or insufficient rest, and even women with a history of depression.

Qi Stagnation, or blood stasis is caused by mental and emotional disharmony. Anger, frustration, and resentment can all add to qi disorders. As stated in A Materia Medica for Chinese Medicine, 2009 states, "Liver Qi Stagnation can be a consequence of emotional and mental disharmony, such as depression, anger, frustration, and resentment. Qi can also become stagnated as a result of excessive thought, anxiety, and fear. Lack of emotional regulation causes complicated disorders in subfertility." Large accumulations of phlegm can also cause the qi to stagnate.

Endometriosis is also caused by liver qi stagnation. In the western medicine system, they encourage hormones and surgery, neither of which we recommend thanks to the power of this herbal formula in capsule form.

Li Ren is composed of:

1. Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) - Is classified as an herb that tonifies blood. It enters through the spleen, heart and liver channels.

2. Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) - Classified as an herb that invigorates blood, it enters through the galbladder, liver and pericardium. It is known to relieve pain and headaches.

3. Shu Di Huang (Chinese Foxglove Root) - Another herb that tonifies the blood and enters through the liver, it also irregular menstruation, uterine and postpartum bleeding.

4. Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort) - Invigorates blood and regulates menstrual cycles and helps with abdominal pain.

5. Hai Zao (Seaweed) - A cooling herm that enters through the liver, this herb clears heat and reduces phlegm

6. Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom) - Known to nourish blood and tonify qi.