A traditional chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea and a method of use

Abstract

The application discloses a traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, and a using method thereof. The traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition is prepared from amethyst, cassia, luffa cylindrica, rhizoma camphorosmae, semen astragali complanati, citrus, radix angelica sinensis and costus. The application can relieve dysmenorrhea by using the traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically relating to a traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Dysmenorrhea is a syndrome characterized by spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, often accompanied by other discomforts such as lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can affect normal work, study, and daily life. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological symptoms, with a reported prevalence between 16.8% and 81%. Dysmenorrhea is mainly divided into two categories: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by the absence of organic pelvic lesions, meaning the reproductive system structure is normal. It may be related to endocrine, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors. The core mechanism of primary dysmenorrhea is the action of prostaglandins. Before menstruation, the endometrium thickens under the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone. If conception does not occur, hormone levels drop, and the endometrium sheds, resulting in menstruation. During this process, the shed endometrial cells release large amounts of prostaglandins, especially PGF2α. Excessive prostaglandins can cause excessive contraction of the uterine smooth muscle, leading to increased intrauterine pressure and reduced uterine blood flow; uterine ischemia and hypoxia: blood vessels are compressed by contracting muscles, resulting in insufficient blood supply, tissue hypoxia, and the accumulation of anaerobic metabolic products (such as lactic acid), which stimulate pain neurons, thus producing severe spasmodic pain; systemic reactions: prostaglandins entering the bloodstream can cause contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to dysmenorrhea caused by organic diseases of the pelvic cavity. Common causes include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, intrauterine devices, and congenital reproductive malformations. The symptoms of dysmenorrhea are diverse and vary in severity. The main symptom is lower abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the lumbosacral region, inner thighs, and perianal area. It is usually spasmodic pain, but can also be distending pain, aching pain, or cold pain. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, some patients may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and in severe cases, paleness, cold sweats, or even fainting. It can also affect mental and emotional well-being, causing irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. The pain usually begins several hours before or after menstruation and lasts for 1-3 days, with the most intense pain occurring during periods of heavy menstrual flow. Dysmenorrhea is common in adolescents and young women, with primary dysmenorrhea being most prevalent between the ages of 16 and 25. Smokers, those with low or high body mass indexes, those experiencing chronic stress and anxiety, and those with poor dietary habits, such as a preference for raw, cold, or spicy foods, will experience more severe symptoms. Dysmenorrhea has become a significant factor disrupting women's daily lives, making the development of medications to relieve it an urgent priority.

[0003] Currently, Western medicine treatments for dysmenorrhea primarily include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which alleviate uterine spasmodic contractions by inhibiting prostaglandin production; and hormone therapy such as oral contraceptives, which reduce pain by inhibiting ovulation, stabilizing hormone levels, and decreasing the total amount of prostaglandins. However, some women are not sensitive to these Western medications and find it difficult to relieve pain. External treatments include exercise training, such as stretching and relaxation exercises, which help relax muscles, improve pelvic blood circulation, and relieve tension; acupuncture, which stimulates acupoints, unblocks meridians, and regulates hormone and prostaglandin levels to relieve pain; and acupoint application, which allows medication to be absorbed through the skin to relieve pain. However, some women with severe dysmenorrhea cannot complete exercise, limiting the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupoint application. The above methods all have limitations in terms of safety, convenience, and the stability of efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure trove of natural medicines, and there is an urgent need for a safer, more convenient dysmenorrhea relief solution that can fully utilize the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and have a positive regulatory effect on the body. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a traditional Chinese medicine bath composition and method of use for relieving dysmenorrhea. The formulation of this traditional Chinese medicine bath composition takes into account multiple aspects such as warming and unblocking, promoting qi circulation, resolving dampness, and relieving urgency, and all of them comply with safety principles.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, wherein the raw materials are composed of the following proportions by weight: 12-17 parts amethyst, 7-12 parts cinnamon, 13-17 parts Liquidambar formosana, 9-15 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 12-17 parts Asarum heterotropoides, 7-13 parts citron, 9-14 parts Ligusticum striatum, and 11-15 parts Aucklandia lappa.

[0007] Optionally, the raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 15 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 15 parts Liquidambar formosana, 12 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Achyranthes bidentata, 10 parts citron, 12 parts Ligusticum striatum, and 13 parts Aucklandia lappa.

[0008] Optionally, the raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 14 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 13 parts Liquidambar formosana, 12 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Citronella arvense, 9 parts Citronella arvense, 12 parts Ligusticum striatum, and 13 parts Aucklandia lappa.

[0009] Optionally, the raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 15 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 13 parts Liquidambar formosana, 13 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Achyranthes bidentata, 9 parts citron, 12 parts Ligusticum striatum, and 15 parts Aucklandia lappa.

[0010] A medicated bath pack includes a water-permeable medicated bag and the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, wherein the bath composition is placed in the water-permeable medicated bag.

[0011] Optionally, the weight of the herbal bath composition in a single herbal bath pack is 80g to 120g.

[0012] Optionally, the weight of the herbal bath composition in a single herbal bath pack is 40g to 60g.

[0013] A method of using a traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, comprising:

[0014] (1) Provide or prepare a medicated bath pack, the medicated bath pack comprising a water-permeable medicated bag and the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, wherein the traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition is placed in the water-permeable medicated bag;

[0015] (2) Soak the bath pack in a stainless steel or ceramic container filled with the first volume of water for 20-40 minutes, then bring it to a boil over high heat and simmer over low heat for 40-70 minutes; the ratio of the first volume of water to the Chinese herbal bath composition in the bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g.

[0016] (3) Take out the herbal bath pack and boil it again in the second volume of water for 25-50 minutes; the ratio of the second volume of water to the herbal bath composition in the herbal bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g;

[0017] (4) Mix the two decoctions together and use the mixture for bathing or foot bath.

[0018] Optionally, during non-menstrual periods, the mixed medicinal solution is diluted and cooled to 38-42°C for bathing, with a bathing time of 15-25 minutes, and a cycle of seven days; the weight of the traditional Chinese medicine bath composition in the bath pack used for bathing is 80g-120g.

[0019] Optionally, during menstruation, the mixed medicinal solution is cooled to 38-42°C and used for a foot bath for 10-15 minutes; the weight of the traditional Chinese medicine bath composition in the foot bath pack is 40g-60g.

[0020] Solution:

[0021] Warming and unblocking in one: The "warming" properties of amethyst and cinnamon are combined with the "unblocking" properties of luffa and chuanxiong to disperse cold and remove stagnation.

[0022] Qi and Blood Harmony: Not only does it use Chuanxiong and Lulutong to invigorate blood, but it also uses Muxiang, Xiangyuan, and Yuzhizi to regulate Qi, deeply understanding the principle that "Qi is the commander of blood", thus solving blood stasis from the root.

[0023] Treating both the root cause and the symptoms: "Warming the meridians and dispelling cold" treats the root cause (cold), while "Promoting qi and blood circulation, unblocking the meridians and relieving pain" treats the symptoms (pain, blood stasis, and stagnation).

[0024] The combination of cold and heat: In a large number of warm medicines, the addition of the cold-natured herb Yuzhizi not only targets the pathogenesis of possible stagnation leading to heat, but also prevents the whole formula from being too warm and dry.

[0025] Internal and external effects: As a bath formula, it is absorbed through the skin pores, and with the heat of the water, the medicinal power is delivered from the outside in, directly to the meridians and internal organs. It is especially suitable for patients who do not wish to or are not suitable for oral medication.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] This formula, which uses warming and meridian-clearing methods, departs from the conventional approach of simply warming and tonifying. Instead, it employs a three-pronged strategy of "warming yang and dispelling cold, promoting qi circulation and resolving dampness, and soothing the liver and relieving spasms." It alleviates menstrual pain by warming the uterus and meridians, and its medicinal properties are mild and widely applicable.

[0028] The prescription is scientifically formulated. While warming the uterus and menstrual flow, it can also unblock the meridians throughout the body, dispel wind and dampness, regulate qi and soothe the liver. Through its effects of tonifying the spleen, benefiting the kidneys, and warming the stomach, it plays an auxiliary role in the main purpose of warming the uterus and menstrual flow.

[0029] It is applied externally as a medicated bath, requiring no oral or injection medication. It is easy to use and patients can perform it at home, improving treatment adherence. It can be used during or outside of menstruation, offering great flexibility.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The herbal bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea in this embodiment has the following raw material composition and weight ratio: 12-17g amethyst, 7-12g cinnamon, 13-17g Liquidambar formosana, 9-15g Lycopodium clavatum, 12-17g Asarum heterotropoides, 7-13g citron, 9-14g Ligusticum striatum, and 11-15g Aucklandia lappa.

[0033] The above-mentioned medicated bath composition is placed in a water-permeable medicated bag to obtain a medicated bath pack. The water-permeable medicated bag is preferably made of one of the following: non-woven fabric, cotton cloth, gauze, or filter paper, which can retain medicated residue and allow the active ingredients to dissolve.

[0034] When used for bathing, the weight of the medicinal bath composition in a single bath pack is 80g to 120g. When used for foot baths, the weight of the medicinal bath composition in a single bath pack is 40g to 60g.

[0035] The method of using the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine bath composition is as follows:

[0036] 1) Provide or prepare the above-mentioned medicinal bath packs. The preparation can be done by putting the medicinal materials into a water-permeable medicine bag and tying the bag tightly; or by wrapping the medicinal materials with water-permeable medicine bag materials such as gauze and binding them tightly to prevent the medicine residue from scattering.

[0037] 2) Soak the herbal bath pack in a stainless steel or ceramic container filled with the first volume of water for 20-40 minutes. Then bring it to a boil over high heat and simmer over low heat for 40-70 minutes to fully extract the effective components of the herbs. The ratio of the first volume of water to the herbal bath composition in the herbal bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g; more preferably 4 L: 80-120 g. The stainless steel or ceramic container can be a covered stainless steel pot or a clay pot. Avoid using iron or aluminum utensils. After simmering, filter the liquid through a strainer.

[0038] 3) Remove the bath pack and place it in a stainless steel or ceramic container filled with a second volume of water for a second decoction for 25-50 minutes; the ratio of the second volume of water to the bath composition in the bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g, more preferably 4 L: 80-120 g.

[0039] 4) Mix the decoctions obtained from the two decoctions and use the mixture for bathing or foot baths. When not menstruating, put an appropriate amount of hot water in a bathtub or a sufficiently large basin, pour the decocted decoction into the hot water, stir well, and cool it to about 40°C to avoid scalding. The patient enters the medicinal bath in a sitz bath or half-body bath, with the water level ideally above the lower abdomen. Using a towel soaked in the medicinal liquid to continuously apply heat to the lower abdomen will enhance the effect. During menstruation, use half the amount of medicinal materials used for bathing in non-menstrual periods. The resulting decoction does not need to be diluted. Cool it to about 40°C and soak the feet until you feel slightly sweaty and comfortable. Avoid excessive sweating to prevent depletion of body fluids and energy.

[0040] A 7-day cycle is considered a non-menstrual period. One cycle of medicated foot bath is sufficient between two menstrual periods. During menstruation, foot baths can be used throughout the entire period. It should be noted that non-menstrual medicated foot baths and menstrual foot baths can be used together, or they can be used separately according to actual needs.

[0041] The above-mentioned herbal bath composition is formulated as a meridian-warming and blood-activating formula. Moving beyond the conventional approach of simply warming and tonifying, it employs a three-pronged strategy: "warming yang and dispelling cold, promoting qi circulation and resolving dampness, and soothing the liver and relieving spasms." The medicinal properties are mild, warming the uterus and meridians to alleviate menstrual pain in women. This formula consists of four components: principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guiding herbs. The principal herbs include amethyst and cinnamon; the assistant herbs include *Luffa cylindrica* and *Lycopodium clavatum*; the adjuvant herbs include *Citrus aurantium* and citron; and the guiding herbs include *Ligusticum striatum* and *Saussurea costus*.

[0042] The pharmacological analysis of each component of the traditional Chinese medicine is as follows:

[0043] Amethyst, warm in nature and flavor, enters the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. It can warm the kidneys and uterus. The kidneys are the foundation of innate essence, storing primordial yang, and are the root of the body's yang energy. The normal function of the uterus depends on the warming effect of kidney yang. If kidney yang is insufficient, the lower abdomen will be cold, leading to a cold uterus. This medicine is commonly used in oral prescriptions, but rarely in medicinal baths. Its warming and descending power can directly reach the lower abdomen through the bath water, providing fundamental warmth.

[0044] Cinnamon, pungent and hot in nature, enters the kidney, spleen, heart, and liver meridians. Adding a small amount of cinnamon has the effect of "warming and invigorating yang qi, promoting the growth of qi and blood," allowing the tonic's power to be absorbed and distributed more effectively. Cinnamon's "hot" nature provides a powerful and lasting warming force to the entire formula, directly targeting the root cause of dysmenorrhea—"cold uterus." Its "pungent and dispersing" nature effectively promotes the circulation of qi and blood, dissolving blood stasis caused by cold, thus relieving pain when the flow is smooth. Combined with the "kidney-warming and uterus-warming" power of the principal ingredient, amethyst, it forms a powerful warming and tonifying combination, fundamentally improving the constitution.

[0045] Lu Lu Tong (Ligusticum striatum), bitter and neutral in nature, enters the liver and kidney meridians. A key pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea is "pain due to obstruction," whether due to qi stagnation, blood stasis, or cold coagulation, all ultimately leading to blockage of the uterine meridians. Lu Lu Tong has a very strong "unblocking" property, effectively clearing the meridians of the lower abdomen, paving the way for the effects of other herbs such as warming amethyst and cinnamon, and blood-activating chuanxiong. Before and during menstruation, some women experience water retention, leading to lower abdominal distension and heaviness. Lu Lu Tong can eliminate water retention and relieve bloating, alleviating discomfort from another angle. When combined with Shen Jin Cao (Cynanchum paniculatum), one focuses on unblocking the meridians and the other on relaxing muscles and tendons, creating an "unobstructed" environment for the entire formula, resulting in faster and more thorough pain relief.

[0046] Common Clubmoss Herb is slightly bitter and pungent in flavor, and warm in nature. It acts on the Liver, Spleen and Kidney meridians. The uterus itself is an organ composed of smooth muscle. The severe colic during dysmenorrhea is largely caused by excessive and uncoordinated spasmodic contraction of uterine smooth muscle. The "muscle and tendon relaxing" effect of Common Clubmoss Herb is not only targeted at skeletal muscles, but can also relieve the spastic state of the uterus, which is similar to the principle of antispasmodic drugs in Western medicine. It dredges the meridians in the lower energizer and around the uterus, improves blood circulation, and relieves pain caused by ischemia and hypoxia. In the formula, it is paired with Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit: Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit is responsible for "unblocking" large blood vessels and the water passages of meridians, just like dredging main roads; while Common Clubmoss Herb is responsible for relaxing the "spasm" of local tendons and vessels, just like relieving local congestion on the roads. The two work in tandem, one "unblocking" and the other "relaxing", to jointly create conditions for the smooth operation of qi and blood.

[0047] Akebia Fruit is bitter in flavor and cold in nature. It acts on the Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach and Bladder meridians. Akebia Fruit plays an important role in clearing, resolving, harmonizing and coordinating. Dysmenorrhea in many women is closely related to emotional stress, that is, "stagnated liver qi transforming into heat after long-term depression". Akebia Fruit specifically targets the Liver meridian, excels at soothing the liver and relieving stagnation, and can regulate and smooth the qi movement that causes pain from the root cause. A large number of highly warm and hot medicinal materials such as Fluorite and Cassia Bark are used in the formula. Akebia Fruit is cold in nature, which can act as a counterassistant to these warm herbs, preventing them from being too warm and dry to damage yin and blood, making the whole formula mild in medicinal property and more suitable for long-term conditioning. In prescriptions for treating dysmenorrhea, it is not only a painkiller for symptomatic relief, but also a conditioning agent that regulates emotions and resolves the root cause of the disease, and can also balance the cold and heat properties of the formula, with comprehensive effects.

[0048] Citron is pungent and bitter in flavor, and warm in nature. It acts on the Liver, Spleen and Lung meridians. Many cases of dysmenorrhea, especially those accompanied by premenstrual breast distension pain, irritability and anger, have "liver qi stagnation" as the fundamental pathogenesis. As a key medicinal herb for soothing liver and regulating qi, Citron can resolve the "qi" that causes qi and blood stasis from the root cause. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that "qi is the commander of blood; when qi moves, blood circulates; when qi stagnates, blood stasis occurs". By promoting qi circulation, Citron indirectly assists blood circulation, thereby relieving pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. Dysmenorrhea is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and poor appetite. The "broad-center" effect of Citron can directly regulate the spleen and stomach, relieve these discomforts, and improve overall comfort. Its rich aroma volatilizes during medicinal bathing, which can not only allow the medicinal power to be absorbed through the skin, but also regulate the nervous system through the sense of smell, helping to relax the mood and relieve anxiety, which is crucial for alleviating dysmenorrhea.

[0049] Wine-processed Sichuan Lovage Rhizome is pungent in flavor and warm in nature, acting on the Liver, Gallbladder and Pericardium meridians. Its active ingredients include ligustrazine, ferulic acid and the like, which are more easily dissolved out after wine processing. It is commonly used to treat menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea caused by blood stasis, as well as postpartum lochia, abdominal pain and other conditions, and is a commonly used gynecological herb for activating blood and regulating menstruation. Sichuan Lovage Rhizome acts on the Liver meridian, and "the Liver meridian circulates around the external genitalia and reaches the lower abdomen", which exactly passes through the uterus. The medicinal power of Wine-processed Sichuan Lovage Rhizome can guide the efficacy of other herbs in the formula such as Fluorite, Cassia Bark and Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit to accurately reach the affected area.

[0050] Costus root, with its pungent, bitter, and warm properties, enters the spleen, stomach, large intestine, triple burner, and gallbladder meridians. Its core function lies in "regulating qi," particularly effective in regulating the qi of the spleen and stomach in the middle burner. Its aromatic and pungent nature, warming and penetrating, can unblock the upper and lower parts of the body, eliminating all qi stagnation. Its main chemical components, such as volatile oils and costunolides, can promote gastrointestinal motility, relieve pain caused by gastrointestinal spasms, and improve indigestion and bloating. Some components can also inhibit inflammatory responses, providing auxiliary relief for gastrointestinal inflammation. Many cases of dysmenorrhea manifest as lower abdominal distension and pain, a typical manifestation of qi stagnation. Costus root directly targets this "bloating," regulating qi and relieving distension with significant effects. The combination of cinnamon (warming yang and transforming qi) and costus root (regulating qi and guiding stagnation) provides the driving force, while costus root performs the action, together dissolving the cold stagnation in the lower burner. When decocted with other herbs, its pungent and penetrating properties dissolve well in water, allowing it to be absorbed through the skin and exert its qi-regulating and stagnation-guiding effects.

[0051] Contraindications: This product is prohibited for use by pregnant women and women trying to conceive (when pregnancy cannot be ruled out), women with excessive menstrual flow or prolonged menstrual periods, women with bleeding tendencies or currently bleeding, women with broken or ulcerated skin, severe eczema or acute skin diseases, women with severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, women with poorly controlled hypertension, or women with extremely weak constitutions.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] Raw material weighing: Take 14g of amethyst, 10g of cinnamon, 13g of Liquidambar formosana, 12g of Lycopodium clavatum, 15g of Achyranthes bidentata, 9g of Citronella foenum-graecum, 12g of Ligusticum striatum, and 13g of Aucklandia lappa.

[0054] Decoction: Place all the herbs in a non-woven fabric medicine bag and tie it closed. Soak the bag in a stainless steel pot containing 4L of water for 35 minutes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove the medicine bag, add 4L of fresh water, and decoct again for about 35 minutes. Place both decoctions in a large container. Add the decoction to bathwater, cool to about 40 degrees Celsius, and bathe for 20 minutes.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] Raw material weighing: Take 7g of amethyst, 5g of cinnamon, 6.5g of Liquidambar formosana, 6g of Lycopodium clavatum, 7.5g of Achyranthes bidentata, 5g of Citronella foenum-graecum, 6g of Ligusticum striatum, and 6g of Aucklandia lappa.

[0057] Decoction: Place all the herbs in a non-woven fabric medicine bag and tie it closed. Soak the bag in a stainless steel pot containing 2L of water for 35 minutes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove the medicine bag, add 2L of fresh water, and decoct again for about 35 minutes. Place both decoctions in a large container. Cool to about 40 degrees Celsius and soak feet for 12 minutes.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] Raw material weighing: Take 15g of amethyst, 10g of cinnamon, 13g of Liquidambar formosana, 13g of Lycopodium clavatum, 15g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 9g of Citronella foenum-graecum, 12g of Ligusticum striatum, and 15g of Aucklandia lappa.

[0060] Decoction: Place all the herbs in a non-woven fabric medicine bag and tie it closed. Soak the bag in a stainless steel pot containing 4L of water for 35 minutes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove the medicine bag, add 4L of fresh water, and decoct again for about 35 minutes. Place both decoctions in a large container. Add the decoction to bathwater, cool to about 40 degrees Celsius, and bathe for 20 minutes.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] Raw material weighing: Take 15g of amethyst, 10g of cinnamon, 15g of Liquidambar formosana, 12g of Lycopodium clavatum, 15g of Achyranthes bidentata, 10g of Citronella cirrhosa, 12g of Ligusticum striatum, and 13g of Aucklandia lappa.

[0063] Decoction: Place all the herbs in a non-woven fabric medicine bag and tie it closed. Soak the bag in a stainless steel pot containing 4L of water for 35 minutes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 50 minutes. Remove the medicine bag, add 4L of fresh water, and decoct again for about 35 minutes. Place both decoctions in a large container. Add the decoction to bathwater, cool to about 40 degrees Celsius, and bathe for 20 minutes.

[0064] Clinical application cases

[0065] Case 1:

[0066] Ms. Zhou, female, 22 years old, frequently stays up late and has irregular eating habits, which worsens her dysmenorrhea. Her menstrual cycle is generally normal, but she experiences severe lower abdominal pain and coldness on the first two days of her period. She also experiences pale complexion, cold extremities, and lower back and sacral soreness and coldness. Her tongue is pale and dark with petechiae on the edges, and the coating is white; her pulse is deep and tight. This is diagnosed as primary dysmenorrhea. The patient is young, sedentary, and lacks physical activity, leading to a deficiency of Yang energy. In addition, staying up late depletes Yang energy, and irregular eating habits damage the spleen and stomach, resulting in the internal generation of cold pathogens. This cold congeals in the uterus, hindering blood circulation, hence the lower abdominal pain and dark purple menstrual blood with clots. Warmth temporarily improves blood circulation, thus slightly reducing the pain; the dark tongue with petechiae and the deep and tight pulse are all signs of cold congealing and blood stasis.

[0067] The patient experienced symptom relief after one cycle of the medicated bath described in Example 1. She reported increased warmth in her lower abdomen, reduced menstrual pain, and fewer blood clots. After three cycles of the bath within three non-menstrual periods, her dysmenorrhea essentially disappeared, with only mild lower abdominal distension remaining. Her menstrual blood turned redder, blood clots were almost nonexistent, and her extremities warmed up. She was advised to keep warm, avoid cold and raw foods, and continue treatment to consolidate the results.

[0068] Case 2:

[0069] Ms. Li, 35 years old, developed dysmenorrhea three years ago after a cesarean section, which gradually worsened over the years. Oral analgesics became less effective. Her condition was attributed to Yang deficiency leading to internal cold, which combined with old blood stasis to form a severe case of cold stagnation, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis. Because of this obstruction, she experienced severe abdominal pain; the blood stasis also obstructed the Chong and Ren meridians, preventing blood from returning to its proper channels, resulting in heavy menstrual flow with clots.

[0070] The patient used the foot bath method described in Example 2 for 5 days and reported a significant improvement in her usual cold intolerance. The number of blood clots in her menstrual flow decreased, and her mood was more relaxed. Although not completely cured, her quality of life significantly improved, strengthening her confidence in continuing traditional Chinese medicine treatment. She was instructed to use the foot bath method for another cycle outside of her menstrual period.

[0071] Case 3:

[0072] Ms. Wang, female, 28 years old, has experienced dysmenorrhea since the age of 20. The pain is mainly characterized by bloating, turning into stabbing pain when severe. The intensity of the pain is closely related to emotional fluctuations, significantly worsening when under work pressure or in a bad mood. She previously took Xiaoyao Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine), which was effective, but its effect has been minimal in the past two years. She also experiences a feeling of coldness in her lower abdomen, accompanied by breast tenderness.

[0073] The patient used the medicated bath of Example 1 for one cycle. After the first bath, the patient felt relaxed all over, and the chest and rib discomfort was reduced. When menstruation began, she used the foot bath of Example 2 for 4 days. The lower abdominal pain was less severe than the previous month, the breast tenderness had basically disappeared, and her mood was more stable than before. Menstrual flow was smoother than before, and the number of blood clots was reduced. During menstruation, she only felt mild discomfort in the lower abdomen and no longer needed to take painkillers. She was advised to maintain a cheerful mood and to use the medicated bath occasionally before menstruation when mood swings are greater to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

[0074] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, characterized in that, According to the weight proportions, the raw materials are as follows: 12-17 parts amethyst, 7-12 parts cinnamon, 13-17 parts Liquidambar formosana, 9-15 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 12-17 parts Asarum heterotropoides, 7-13 parts citron, 9-14 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, and 11-15 parts Aucklandia lappa.

2. The herbal bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 15 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 15 parts Liquidambar formosana, 12 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Asarum heterotropoides, 10 parts citron, 12 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, and 13 parts Aucklandia lappa.

3. The herbal bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 14 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 13 parts Liquidambar formosana, 12 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Citronella arvense, 9 parts Citronella arvense, 12 parts Ligusticum striatum, and 13 parts Aucklandia lappa.

4. The herbal bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw material composition ratio by weight is as follows: 15 parts amethyst, 10 parts cinnamon, 13 parts Liquidambar formosana, 13 parts Lycopodium clavatum, 15 parts Asarum heterotropoides, 9 parts citron, 12 parts Ligusticum chuanxiong, and 15 parts Aucklandia lappa.

5. A medicinal bath pack, characterized in that: The invention includes a permeable medicine bag and a traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traditional Chinese medicine bath composition is placed in the permeable medicine bag.

6. The medicated bath pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The weight of the herbal bath composition in a single herbal bath pack is 80g to 120g.

7. The medicated bath pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The weight of the herbal bath composition in a single herbal bath pack is 40g to 60g.

8. A method of using a traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea, characterized in that, include: (1) Provide or prepare a medicated bath pack, the medicated bath pack comprising a water-permeable medicated bag and a traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traditional Chinese medicine medicated bath composition is placed in the water-permeable medicated bag; (2) Soak the bath pack in a stainless steel or ceramic container filled with the first volume of water for 20-40 minutes, then bring it to a boil over high heat and simmer over low heat for 40-70 minutes; the ratio of the first volume of water to the Chinese herbal bath composition in the bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g. (3) Take out the herbal bath pack and boil it again in the second volume of water for 25-50 minutes; the ratio of the second volume of water to the herbal bath composition in the herbal bath pack is 3-5 L: 80-120 g; (4) Mix the two decoctions together and use the mixture for bathing or foot bath.

9. The method of using the traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea according to claim 8, characterized in that: During non-menstrual periods, the mixed medicinal solution is diluted and cooled to 38-42°C for bathing. The bathing time is 15-25 minutes, and a cycle of seven days is followed. The weight of the medicinal bath composition in the bath pack used for bathing is 80g-120g.

10. The method of using the traditional Chinese medicine bath composition for relieving dysmenorrhea according to claim 8, characterized in that: During menstruation, the mixed medicinal solution is cooled to 38~42℃ and used for foot bath, with a foot bath time of 10~15 minutes; the weight of the medicinal bath composition in the foot bath pack is 40g~60g.