INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

White Peony, root 58.5mg

Nutgrass, root 58.4mg

Bitter Orange, peel 58.4mg

Sickle Hare’s Ear, root 43.8mg

Szechuan Lovage, rhiz. 43.8mg

Cordyalis, root 43.8mg

Tumeric, root 43.8mg

Licorice, root 24.3mg

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 478640

Manufactured In Australia. 

 

Indications: painful periods, PMS, breast tenderness, symptoms worsened by stress.

Actions: soothe the liver, move the blood, stop the pain, calm the farm.

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times per day and as symptoms return.

Over use don’t under use. Treat sooner rather than later. 

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Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang – "Free Flow"

Helping Women Feel Like Themselves Again

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to relieve emotional tension, menstrual pain and abdominal discomfort by restoring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.

 

What is Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang?

Most women know when something isn't quite right.

They feel:

• emotionally overwhelmed

• easily frustrated

• irritable for no obvious reason

• bloated before their period

• crampy and uncomfortable

• as though everything has become "too much."

 

Then the period arrives...

The pain begins.

The emotions settle.

Only for the cycle to repeat again the following month.

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Chinese medicine recognised this pattern centuries ago.

It observed that emotional stress and menstrual pain are often closely connected.

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When the body's natural flow becomes restricted, both emotions and physical discomfort begin to build.

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (柴胡疏肝汤) was developed to restore that movement.

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At Chiron Medical we call it "Free Flow", because its purpose is to help emotions, circulation and the menstrual cycle move naturally again.

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A Formula with More Than 400 Years of History

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang first appeared in the Jing Yue Quan Shu (Complete Works of Jingyue) during the Ming Dynasty in the early 17th century.

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It quickly became one of Chinese medicine's classic formulas for relieving emotional stagnation and pain caused by restricted circulation of Qi.

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Today it remains one of the most frequently prescribed formulas for stress-related digestive complaints, emotional tension and menstrual discomfort.

​

Why We Call It "Free Flow"

Chinese medicine teaches that good health depends on movement.

Thoughts should move.

Emotions should move.

Blood should move.

​

The menstrual cycle should move comfortably and regularly.

When movement becomes restricted, pressure builds.

 

That pressure may appear as:

• irritability

• mood swings

• frustration

• sighing

• breast tenderness

• bloating

• period pain

• abdominal tightness

• tension headaches

 

Free Flow was designed to gently restore that movement before pressure becomes pain.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang is prescribed for Liver Qi Stagnation with associated Blood stagnation and pain.

 

Women's Health

Frequently prescribed for:

• painful periods

• menstrual cramps

• premenstrual tension

• breast tenderness

• irregular menstrual discomfort

• emotional changes associated with the menstrual cycle

 

Emotional Wellbeing

Traditionally used for:

• emotional tension

• irritability

• frustration

• mood changes

• feeling emotionally "stuck"

 

Digestive Symptoms

Stress frequently affects digestion.

Typical symptoms include:

• abdominal bloating

• upper abdominal discomfort

• poor appetite during stress

• stress-related indigestion

 

The Herbs That Make the Formula

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang combines herbs that regulate emotional wellbeing, improve circulation and relieve muscular spasm and pain.

 

Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root)

Traditional role

The principal herb.

Relieves emotional constraint while restoring the smooth movement of Liver Qi.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• modulation of the stress response

• anti-inflammatory activity

• neuroprotective effects

• regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

 

Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome)

Traditional role

One of Chinese medicine's premier herbs for women's health.

Regulates Qi, eases emotional tension and relieves menstrual discomfort.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• smooth muscle relaxation

• analgesic effects

• anti-inflammatory activity

• modulation of uterine contractility

 

Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome)

Traditional role

Promotes healthy circulation while relieving menstrual pain and headaches.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• improved microcirculation

• vasodilation

• anti-inflammatory activity

• analgesic effects

 

Chen Pi (Aged Mandarin Peel)

Traditional role

Regulates digestion and relieves abdominal bloating associated with emotional stress.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• improved gastric motility

• digestive support

• antioxidant activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

 

Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange)

Traditional role

Moves Qi through the chest and abdomen while relieving tightness and fullness.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• regulation of gastrointestinal motility

• smooth muscle relaxation

• digestive support

 

Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

Traditional role

Nourishes Blood while relaxing muscles and relieving cramping pain.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• smooth muscle relaxation

• analgesic activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

• modulation of uterine contractions

 

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

Traditional role

Harmonises the formula while relieving muscle spasm and protecting digestion.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• antioxidant effects

• gastroprotective activity

• immune regulation

 

How the Formula Works

Modern medicine increasingly recognises the close relationship between:

• stress

• hormones

• the nervous system

• the digestive system

• menstrual pain

 

Stress alters autonomic nervous system activity, inflammatory signalling and smooth muscle contraction.

 

These changes can contribute to:

• increased uterine cramping

• abdominal bloating

• digestive discomfort

• heightened pain sensitivity

• emotional irritability

 

Research suggests Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang may help by:

• regulating autonomic nervous system activity

• reducing inflammatory mediators

• improving pelvic circulation

• relaxing smooth muscle

• supporting healthy stress adaptation

 

Rather than simply relieving pain, the formula aims to restore healthy physiological movement throughout the body.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Research has investigated the constituent herbs for:

 

Dysmenorrhoea

Studies suggest:

• reduced menstrual pain

• improved pelvic circulation

• decreased smooth muscle spasm

 

Stress and Mood

Research demonstrates:

• modulation of stress hormones

• improved emotional wellbeing

• reduced anxiety-like behaviour in experimental models

 

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Studies have explored supportive roles in:

• stress-related indigestion

• functional dyspepsia

• irritable bowel syndrome

Although further high-quality clinical trials are required, these findings closely align with the traditional use of the formula.

 

Women's Health Is About More Than Hormones

Many women notice that stress changes their menstrual cycle.

Periods become more painful.

Emotions become more intense.

Digestion slows.

Sleep suffers.

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Chinese medicine recognised this connection long before hormones were discovered.

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Rather than viewing emotional wellbeing and menstrual health as separate systems, it understood them as deeply connected.

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Free Flow was developed to restore harmony to both.

 

Comparing the Chiron Medical Women's Health Formulas

Every woman's cycle tells a story. The key is recognising which pattern is driving the symptoms.

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Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang - Free Flow - Emotional tension with painful periods and cramping - Restores the smooth flow of Qi and relieves menstrual pain

Xiao Yao San - Stress - Stress, emotional tension and hormonal imbalance - Nourishes Blood while relieving emotional constraint

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San - Stressed, Hot & Irritable - Stress accompanied by Heat, irritability and flushing - Relieves emotional tension while clearing inflammatory Heat

Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang - Spasms & Cramps - Muscle cramps and acute uterine spasm - Relaxes smooth muscle and relieves painful cramping

Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang - Cysts & Fibroids - Pelvic pain with fibroids, cysts or Blood stagnation - Improves pelvic circulation and resolves chronic stagnation

Dang Gui Su - Low Iron Anaemia - Fatigue and blood deficiency following heavy menstrual loss - Nourishes Blood and supports healthy circulation

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Understanding the Progression

Women's health patterns often evolve gradually.

Stress (Xiao Yao San)

Emotional pressure begins affecting the menstrual cycle.

↓

Free Flow (Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang)

Stress begins producing physical symptoms including bloating, breast tenderness and period pain.

↓

Stressed, Hot & Irritable (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San)

Persistent emotional tension generates Heat.

Symptoms become more inflammatory with increased irritability, flushing and premenstrual anger.

↓

Spasms & Cramps (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)

Acute muscle spasm becomes the dominant feature.

↓

Cysts & Fibroids (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang)

Long-standing stagnation begins affecting pelvic circulation and tissue structure.

Recognising these changing patterns allows treatment to evolve with the patient's physiology rather than simply treating each menstrual cycle in isolation.

 

Clinical Insights

Supporting Women Through Different Stages of Their Cycle

Experienced practitioners frequently combine Free Flow with other formulas depending on the woman's presentation.

Common combinations include:

 

Premenstrual emotional tension

• Xiao Yao San (Stress) when emotional symptoms predominate.

• Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Stressed, Hot & Irritable) if frustration, heat and irritability are prominent.

 

Menstrual pain

• Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Spasms & Cramps) for significant uterine cramping.

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang (Cysts & Fibroids) where pelvic congestion, fibroids or endometriosis are contributing factors.

 

Recovery after heavy menstrual bleeding

• Dang Gui Su (Low Iron Anaemia) or Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Restore the Blood) to rebuild strength and support healthy blood production.

 

This layered approach reflects one of the strengths of Chinese medicine: addressing the immediate symptoms while also correcting the underlying pattern.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Liver Qi Stagnation with Qi and Blood obstruction

 

Typical presentation:

• hypochondriac discomfort

• sighing

• emotional frustration

• PMS

• dysmenorrhoea

• breast tenderness

• wiry pulse

 

Formula Strategy

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang:

• Spreads Liver Qi.

• Regulates Qi movement.

• Invigorates Blood.

• Relieves pain.

• Harmonises the Liver and Spleen.

 

For Medical Doctors

 

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• autonomic nervous system regulation

• hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity

• smooth muscle contraction

• inflammatory cytokines

• pelvic microcirculation

• pain modulation

 

Major bioactive compounds include:

• saikosaponins

• paeoniflorin

• ligustilide

• hesperidin

• naringin

• glycyrrhizin

 

Collectively these compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, circulatory and stress-modulating properties that may be relevant to functional dysmenorrhoea and stress-related menstrual symptoms.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is advisable in patients taking:

• anticoagulants (due to Chuan Xiong)

• hormonal therapies, including oral contraceptives

• antidepressants or anxiolytic medications

• antiplatelet agents

 

Persistent pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding or symptoms suggestive of endometriosis, fibroids or other pelvic pathology should always be medically assessed.

 

Helping Life Flow Again

Life is constantly moving.

Our emotions move.

Our bodies move.

Our menstrual cycle moves.

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When that movement becomes restricted, tension builds until it is felt as pain, frustration or emotional overwhelm.

That is why we call this formula "Free Flow."

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Rather than simply relieving cramps or calming emotions, Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang supports the body's natural rhythm—helping women move through each month with greater comfort, emotional balance and freedom. For centuries it has reminded practitioners that when the body and mind are allowed to flow freely, health often follows naturally.