YY Period Care Routine– The White 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:
• From a TCM perspective, Qi and blood are essential materials for all life activities, and menstruation is no exception. In other words, having sufficient Qi and blood is one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. Women are relatively prone to blood (Yin) deficiency after each menstrual cycle.
• To avoid the aggravation of a sub-healthy status or “deficiency” in the body after menstruation, it is necessary to “course correct” the body by restoring Qi (Yang) and blood (Ying) to their optimal levels.
In TCM, the human body is viewed as an organic entity made up of various organs that function in a mutually interdependent manner. The Yin-Yang theory, which originates from ancient Chinese philosophy, is central to the conceptual framework of TCM. According to the Yin-Yang Theory, functional activities of the body (such as Qi) are classified as Yang, while the material basis of vital functions (such as essence, blood, and body fluids) are classified as Yin. The dynamic equilibrium between the Yin and the Yang determines the physiological status of the human body. Therefore anything that can disrupt the Yin/Yang balance or the Qi and blood balance in the body can be a contributing cause for the disease.
From a TCM perspective, Qi and blood are essential materials for all life activities, and menstruation is no exception. In other words, having sufficient Qi and blood is one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. Women are relatively prone to blood (Yin) deficiency after each menstrual cycle. However, we must not forget that just like Yin and Yang, Qi and blood are also interdependent. This interrelationship can lead to both blood and Qi deficiency and that is why some of us tend to feel tired and vulnerable at the end of our period.
One of the core values of TCM is the emphasis on disease prevention. To avoid the aggravation of a sub-healthy status or “deficiency” in the body after menstruation, it is necessary to “course correct” the body by restoring Qi (Yang) and blood (Ying) to their optimal levels. The White Pack, reformulated from Ginseng & Ophiopogon Formula (生脈飲), which literally means “the decoction for generating the pulse” in Mandarin, is comprised of TangShen (黨參), Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber(麥門冬) and Chinese Magnolia Vine (五味子).
Tang Shen is a very popular Qi-invigorating herb. It has been used to replenish Qi deficiency, strengthen the immune system, improve poor gastrointestinal function, decrease blood pressure, promote deep sleep, and enhance memory function, amongst other things. Studies have revealed that it also contains vitamins B1, B2 and amino acids required by the human body. Tang Shen is also recommended by professionals as a substitute herb for Ginseng, offering a smoother, and more subtle way to move Qi. Ginseng is relatively stronger than the Tang Shen and typically only used when Qi blockage is severe.
Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber, which is cool in nature, is a commonly used Yin-nourishing herb. It serves as the main ingredient in our White Pack to promote the production of Yin. In the context of preventive health, Yin-nourishing herbs act on the immune system to reduce inflammation. The Chinese Magnolia Vine assists Tang Shen and Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber to replenish the Qi and promote the production of body fluids. It also serves as an astringent component to preserve body fluids (including perspiration, essence and blood) and functions to calm the mind. Recent studies have shown that Chinese Magnolia Vine also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are likely to synergise the properties of Tang Shen and Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber.
In short, the Ginseng & Ophiopogon Formula can be said to be one of the most popular and extensively researched remedies in the TCM world. It covers a wide range of physical manifestations involving the loss of body fluids (blood) and energy (Qi) and is even used in the form of IV fluids to treat sudden blood loss in medical emergencies. As a well-considered modification of Ginseng & Ophiopogon Formula, our White Pack promises to deliver efficacy for your post-menstruation needs.
