Goji berries - Lycium barbarum are a famous superfood, revered as a restorative Jing and blood tonic herb – nourishing liver, lung and adrenal yin; supports hormones, adrenals and reproductive health; enriches blood and essence; decreasing fatigue and boosts vitality. (NIH Complement Med. 2008 May 14). "Goji Berries are traditionally used to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin and support healthy vision and vitality."
Dang Gui - Radix Angelica sinensis is referred to as the “female ginseng,” a blood tonic promoting red blood cells to support fatigue and general blood deficiency; blood circulation in the abdomen and pelvic cavity to support women’s reproductive health, regulate healthy menstrual cycles, PMS, menopausal transitions, and relieve pain. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming and relaxing properties due to its active compounds found in the root, called ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide. (NIH, PMC 2011, Aug 25).
Horny Goat Weed - Epimedium leaf is a traditional herb recognized for its active compound icariin, which acts as a mild PDE5 inhibitor, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and rich in phytoestrogens that ease hormonal fluctuations, reduce severity of hot flashes, balance moods during perimenopause and menopause. Icariin boosts nitric oxide levels in the body, relaxes muscles, increases blood flow to reproductive tissues enhancing sexual arousal, sensation and natural lubrication, often called the “natural aphrodisiac.” It stimulates osteoblasts to support bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Studies reveal that icariin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds support cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol, plaque build-up, and reduces oxidative DNA damage by increasing blood flow to the brain. It is currently being studied for its neuroprotective and cognitive-boosting benefits. (NIH, PMC, 2010, Feb 5).
Chinese yam - Dioscorea polystachya is cherished throughout Asia and in TCM as a restorative tonic for the pancreas, stomach, lungs, and kidneys. Energetically, this tuber is regarded as a yang booster, supporting longevity and vitality. Rich in mucilage and allantoin, acts as a demulcent and an emollient - soothing and nourishing tissues. Bolsters the body’s defensive mechanisms as it contains vitamins B, C, and E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. The Chinese yam holds a significant place among various Asian communities as a superfood, revered not only for its medicinal properties but also for its cultural symbolism. The Daoists, who pursue harmony with nature, consider Chinese yam essential for balancing yin and yang in the body, supporting longevity. In the historical text, "The Classic of Herbal Medicine" by Shennong, a legendary founder in Chinese medicine, cited Chinese yam as a top-grade medicinal herb that promotes vitality and prevents fatigue. It is traditionally used in daily Chinese cuisine beyond herbal formulations or decoctions, in stir-fries, soups, steamed recipes, and medicinal porridges, enhancing both the nutritional value and the healing qualities of meals. "Chinese Yam is traditionally used to support digestive strength and overall Qi and vitality."
DA Zao - Ziziphus Jujuba is a priority red date fruit for TCM menopausal formulas to support phytoestrogen, nitic oxide and ACh levels in the brain. The dates exhibit a positive impact on improving sleep quality in menopausal and post-menopausal women. According to NIH studies, they calm the mind, decrease stress, promote peaceful and restorative sleep without the grogginess associated with conventional sedatives. (NIH, JoP, 2017, Mar 20). A great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and iron supporting immune and bone health. Rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids to combat oxidative stress and protect cells from oxidation. High in dietary fiber supporting gut motility. "Red Jujube Dates are traditionally used to nourish Blood and support a calm, settled spirit."
Fú Ling - Poria cocos sclerotium is a popular adaptogen known to “calm the spirit.” This ancient mushroom has been used for centuries in TCM formulations, classified as a tonic herb with mild sedative, immune modulating and diuretic properties. A 2023 clinical trial study conducted on insomnia sufferers with a mean age of 55 concluded that Poria cocos sclerotium improved the quality of sleep. (NIH, PubMed, 2023, Oct 1). It is often used in modern herbal formulas to alleviate anxiety, tension, stress and insomnia. Poria extracts increase serotonin levels and lower stress-induced sugar cravings. It supports digestive harmony by reducing sluggish digestion, bloating, diarrhea, restrained dampness and edema to normalize metabolic imbalances.
Panax ginseng - Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng) A premier Qi tonic revered for centuries - "Chinese Ginseng is a foundational Qi tonic traditionally used to support stamina, focus, and sustained energy." A clinical systemic review of 13 medical databases gathered evidence from a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of ginseng for managing menopausal women’s health revealing positive effects on menopausal and postmenopausal discomforts, symptoms, health and well-being. (NIH Meta Analysis. Medicine 2016 Sep 5).
Schizandra - Schisandra chinensis is a classic adaptogen; supports stress resilience, Liver function, and mental calm. "Schizandra is a time-honored adaptogen traditionally used to support the body's resilience to daily stress." It is a five-flavored adaptogen containing powerful antioxidants, Vitamins C and E. Centuries of research and clinical trial studies consistently shared that this beloved adaptogen used by China, Korea, Japan and Russia helps support immune functions, regulate cortisol stress hormones to fight fatigue, stress, anxiety and burnout without over-stimulation, supports vitality, promotes liver support, detoxification, aids in cellular regeneration, and supports glutathione production to protect against oxidative damage. (Phytochem Rev. 2016 May 12).
Eucommia - Eucommia ulmoides Oliv bark Strengthens Kidney and Liver; supports bones, joints, and lower back strength. "Eucommia bark is traditionally used to support strong bones, joints, and low back vitality." A Chinese medicinal plant has long been valued for its ability to strengthen bones and muscles. Recent research highlights its potential in supporting bone health and managing osteoporosis. This scoping review summarises existing evidence on the role of Eucommia ulmoides in bone remodeling, osteoporosis prevention and treatment. (NIH Front Pharmacol. 2026 Jan 21).
Cornus officinalis fruit (Shan Zhu Yu) Nourishes Adrenals and Liver Yin; supports Jing (essence) retention and vitality. "Cornus fruit is traditionally used to nourish Kidney and Liver Yin and support long-term vitality." Taken together, PubMed Nutrient findings suggested that Cornus officinalis (CO) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) promoted estrogenic activity, anti-obesity and anti-osteoporotic effects in vitro and in vivo. Thus, a combination of CO and RF extracts present a good therapeutic strategy for supporting women's menopausal syndromes (PubMed Nutrients. 2020 Jan 30). A randomized controlled trial concluded it found that the extract of Cornus officnalis fruit has a favorable effect on vasomotor symptoms, sex hormones, and related discomforts in women experiencing menopausal symptoms. (PubMed Randomized Controlled Trial Menopause. 2023 Feb 1).
Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Harmonizes the formula; supports Pancreatic Qi; moderates other herbs. "Chinese Licorice Root harmonizes the formula and supports overall balance." Clinical research findings showed that licorice extract supplementation led to improvements in sex hormones, sleep quality, depression, and appetite. (Pub Med IJRM: Int J Reprod Biomed. 2026 Mar 30).
Rehmannia glutinosa (raw Shēng Dì Huáng) Used in women’s healthcare formulas to cool Blood; nourishes Yin; and support adrenal functions. "Raw Rehmannia is traditionally used to nourish Yin and support healthy Kidney function." Extensive Biomedical research revealed that Rehmannia glutinosa was regarded as an “herbal research value” for presenting anti-aging properties; anti-infective - clears underlying heat symptoms, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, osteoblastogenesis qualities, and supports immune system. (Biomedicine & Pharmacology Volume 168, December 2023).