Bak Foong Pills: Treating Dysmenorrhoea and Other Benefits for Women

Bak Foong pills are a traditional Chinese formulation used to treat gynaecological disorders, such as dysmenorrhoea. Its use has been dated as far back as more than 300 years ago, and has shown to work in treating irregular menstrual flows.

Dysmenorrhoea, sometimes called menstrual cramps, is a common gynaecological problem that can have adverse effects on women who experience it. 

Typically, the pain is found in the lower abdomen and can extend to the inner thighs and back.

Sometimes, this condition has accompanying symptoms: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.

Why does this happen? Substances called prostaglandins cause the uterine muscle to contract, resulting in pain and inflammation. 

In TCM, menstrual cramps are caused by cold pathogens, stagnation of the qi, damp-heat, kidney deficiency, and deficiency of qi and blood.

The colour of period blood may also reveal the condition of a woman’s health. Where dark fresh blood without clots indicates a regular period, pale blood with diluted texture suggests qi deficiency. A period of light red blood with diluted texture points to a blood deficiency.

TCM practitioners also believe that the uterus’ contractility is the main source of pain in dysmenorrhoea. Therefore, easing contractions may be a potential course of treatment.

Bak Foong Pills as Treatment

Bak Foong Pills is a heritage formulation of herbs used since the 17th century in the treatment and prevention of gynaecological disorders in women. This Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acts by nourishing Yin, curing blood stasis, and restoring harmony to the body.

Sometimes we are not aware of what is going on inside the body, but according to TCM, the hue or undertone of a woman’s skin can be a sign of her internal health. Here we will discuss what different hues can mean and how Bak Foong pills can help.

A red, flushed appearance indicates too much heat, also known as a yin (cool) deficiency. Bak Foong pills are known to treat yin deficiency by dispelling excess heat in the body.

A yellowish colour might signal a problem with the spleen. There may be too much bile in the digestive system, leading to sluggishness which in TCM is considered “dampness.”

Meanwhile, TCM views a purple hue as a possible indicator of blood stasis; for instance, purplish bruises or blood clots are a sign of stagnated blood. Herbal formulas like Bak Foong pills have been used for centuries to address general imbalances and promote wellbeing.

A grey or black undertone points to kidney issues, which means that there is too much cold and water. There may be fluid accumulation and blood stasis. Whiteness or paleness indicates a deficiency in qi, blood, and/or yang.

On a related note, Bak Foong also has benefits for pregnant women, particularly those experiencing spotting or light bleeding, because these signal problems with the blood, Kidney Qi and Kidney Yin.

Typically, spotting may be due to insufficient progesterone levels in the woman’s body, bad placement of the embryo, or the woman becoming overworked or overstressed.

In serious cases, bleeding may be a sign of early miscarriage, miscarriage in later pregnancy, or an ectopic pregnancy, in which the embryo implants outside the uterus. 

In TCM, adequate blood and qi are needed for a healthy pregnancy. One must nourish the yin to prevent the yang (heat) from becoming overpowering. 

Bak Foong pills are used to tonify the body and strengthen blood qi, as well as to soothe back pain and cold intolerance.

In a 2013 study published by Cell Biology International, Bak Foong pills influenced the relaxation of the uterus in animal models. 

In addition, some ingredients commonly found in these formulas, such as cinnamon, ginger, and fennel. These had anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which could be relevant to alleviating menstrual discomfort.

How do Bak Foong Pills benefit women?

• Relief from menstrual cramps

With regular consumption, Bak Foong Pills soothes symptoms arising from dysmenorrhoea or menstrual cramps such as moodiness, irritability, dark blood clots, and other period symptoms that occur monthly.

• Treatment of menstrual irregularities

It has been found to be effective in treating early, delayed, and prolonged menstrual flows. These also help treat anemia during one’s period, thanks to the presence of blood-building herbs.

• Tonic for other blood deficiency syndromes

Bak Foong Pills treats symptoms of other blood deficiency syndromes, such as anxiety, fatigue, poor memory, and insomnia.

• Treatment of yin deficiency syndromes

Patients with symptoms of yin deficiency syndromes, such as dry mouth and throat, flushed cheeks, night sweats, and low libido will benefit from the intake of Bak Foong Pills.

• Treatment of postmenopausal symptoms

Building on the traditional wisdom of Bak Foong Pills, a new formula called Menoease has been developed to potentially alleviate post-menopausal symptoms. These include: hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, dry vagina, difficulty in concentration, mental confusion, stress incontinence, urge incontinence, osteoporotic symptoms, depression, headache, vasomotor symptoms, and insomnia.

• Easing Discomfort

Cramps, chills, and paleness are common during menstruation. Herbs such as white peony root (bai shao, 白芍), work to alleviate these symptoms.

• Enhancement of youthful complexion and positive feelings

They also promote good skin and ensure positive emotions due to a pain-free period.

• Combating physical and psychological stress

Adaptogenic ingredients in Bak Foong Pills provide immunomodulatory and anxiety-suppressing properties in times of stress. Ginseng, atractylodes, and astralagus, in particular, helps one regain energy and feel revitalized.

• Maintenance of women’s overall health and wellbeing

Herbs present in Bak Foong pills help restore balance to the body. They also ensure that their daily lives are comfortable even during their monthly menstruation. It also maintains harmony in the body to make it conducive for conception.

• Replenishment After Birth

Childbirth can deplete your blood and qi (vital energy). This formula nourishes you and supports your body’s natural recovery process.

What are the ingredients in Bak Foong Pills?

This traditional formulation typically contains 19 to 22 of the best natural ingredients, the number of which depends on the variations of pills on the market.

Among them is Chinese Ginseng, which is well-known for its revitalizing properties. It rejuvenates and strengthens the body by improving energy levels and promoting blood circulation.

There is Powdered Pilrose Deer Antler (lu rong, 鹿茸), which is used to enrich the blood, strengthen the waist and lower back, sustain energy levels, and promote good health.

Another notable ingredient is Chinese Angelica Root (dang gui, 当归), an excellent blood tonic that helps manage monthly cycles. Astragalus Root (huang qi, 黄芪) benefits the qi and reduces water retention.

Bak Foong Pills also contain Cinnamon Bark (rou gui, 肉桂), which has been known to help in dispersing deep-seated cold and thereby reducing pain; and Eucommia Bark (du zhong, 杜仲), which is used to enhance qi and blood circulation.