Radix Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) 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).
Epimedium brevicornum 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, and 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. It is often called the “natural aphrodisiac.” It stimulates osteoblasts to support bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Studies reveal that icariin 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, 2023, Oct 27).
Morinda officinalis (Bi Ji Tian) is a key herb in TCM celebrated for tonifying kidney yang. Western clinical research show that the root extracts provide potent benefit to support bone density, mood regulation, brain regulation and decrease inflammation through the gut-brain-microbiota axis from the root extract, oligosaccharides. (NIH, PMC Neuropsychiatr, 2025, Sept 30). Further clinical studies reveal the roots display strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects protecting against neurodegeneration, and can help to reduce inflammatory bowel conditions. (NIH, PMC, Front Aging Neurosci, 2022, Sept 8).
Anemarrhena aspheloides (Zhi Mu) provides significant therapeutic benefits due to its powerful active compounds - Mangiferin, Timosaponins A-III & B-II and Sarsapogenin. Studies reveal that these compounds target systemic inflammation, support blood sugar regulation, balance gut microbiota, offer neuroprotective benefits by reducing oxidative stress, promotes natural cooling properties to reduce fevers, night sweats and irritability driven by menopausal yin deficiency, and rich in antioxidants supporting vitality and skin health. (NIH, PubMed, 2019, June 18). There are several studies of Sarsapogenin actively being researched for its potential therapeutic applications in Alzheimer’s disease (NIH, PubMed, 2020, Apr 4); Timosaponins A-III has several clinical studies supporting the clinical therapeutic benefits for COPD and other lung inflammatory disorders, exhibiting antitussive moistness qualities to ease dry coughs, bronchitis and excess phlegm; and Mangiferin clinically proven to be a powerful antioxidant crossing the blood-retina barrier to protect eye health to combat neural inflammation, according to several global studies. (NIH, PubMed, 2022, Aug 4).
Curculigo orchioides (Xian Mao) is a widely used tonic rhizome herb in TCM and Ayurvedic medicine to manage perimenopausal and menopausal hormonal, endocrine and reproductive health changes. Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, fighting oxidative stress, protecting brain cells and cellular. Studies on Curculigo orchioides suggest it prevents bone loss, and improves bone strength, showing promise in anti-osteoporotic applications. (NIH, PMC, 2025, Apr 28). (Science Direct, Maturitas, 2008, Apr 20).
Phellodendron amurense (Huang Bai) is a foundational TCM herb used for clearing internal heat, dampness and reducing toxicity. Clinical studies indicate its primary benefits are driven by its active alkaloid, berberine, showing promise in hormone regulation, metabolic health, anti-inflammatory applications and dermatology. (NIH, PMC, Front Pharmacol. 2021, Aug31). (NIH, PMC, Front Immunol. 2025, Oct 2).
