Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan, translated as “Mugwort and Cyperus Warm the Uterus Pill,” is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula primarily used to warm the uterus, nourish and invigorate the blood, and support female reproductive health. It is often prescribed for conditions such as irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, infertility due to a cold uterus, and to prevent miscarriage by tonifying the blood. The formula works by warming the meridians, dispersing cold, regulating Liver Qi, and promoting blood circulation, addressing patterns like Deficiency Cold of the Uterus and Blood Stasis.

Function: Warms the uterus and meridians, disperses cold, nourishes and invigorates the blood, regulates menstruation, and alleviates pain. It supports fertility and comforts the womb, particularly in cases of cold-related reproductive issues.

Indications:

• Irregular menstruation (late, scanty, or painful periods)

• Infertility due to a cold uterus

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) caused by cold and blood stasis

• Threatened miscarriage due to blood deficiency

• Lower abdominal pain or cold sensation

• Leucorrhea (vaginal discharge) associated with cold

• Restless fetus syndrome or mild uterine bleeding during pregnancy

Patterns Addressed:

• Deficiency Cold of the Uterus

• Blood Stasis combined with Qi Stagnation

• Liver Qi Stagnation with cold

Contraindications:

• Not suitable for conditions with heat signs (e.g., fever, hot flashes).

• Use with caution during pregnancy; consultation with a TCM practitioner is essential.

• Avoid in cases of Yin deficiency with heat or excessive bleeding.

Tongue and Pulse:

• Tongue: Pale or purple with a thin white coating (indicating cold or stasis).

• Pulse: Deep, slow, or choppy (reflecting cold and blood stagnation).

Herbal Ingredients and Amounts:

• Folium Artemisiae Argyi (Ai Ye) – Mugwort Leaf (9–12g)

  • Principal herb; warms the uterus, disperses cold, stops pain, and regulates menstruation.

  • Supports blood circulation and calms the fetus in pregnancy.

• Rhizoma Cyperi (Xiang Fu) – Cyperus Rhizome (9–12g)

  • Principal herb; spreads and regulates Liver Qi, alleviates pain, and regulates menstruation.

  • Synergizes with Chuan Xiong for Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

• Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Shu Di Huang) – Prepared Rehmannia Root (9–15g)

  • Nourishes Yin and blood, tonifies the Kidneys, and supports the uterus.

  • Strengthens the foundation for reproductive health.

• Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) – Ligusticum Rhizome (6–9g)

  • Invigorates blood, promotes Qi movement, and relieves pain.

  • Enhances circulation in the uterus, addressing stasis.

• Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) – White Peony Root (6–12g)

  • Nourishes blood, softens the Liver, and alleviates pain.

  • Harmonizes the formula and reduces menstrual cramps.

• Radix Astragali (Huang Qi) – Astragalus Root (9–12g)

  • Tonifies Qi, strengthens the Spleen, and supports blood production.

  • Boosts overall vitality and uterine health.

• Radix Dipsaci (Xu Duan) – Teasel Root (6–9g)

  • Tonifies Liver and Kidneys, strengthens sinews, and supports the fetus.

  • Prevents miscarriage and relieves lower back pain.

• Cortex Cinnamomi (Rou Gui) – Cinnamon Bark (3–6g)

  • Warms the interior, disperses cold, and strengthens Kidney Yang.

  • Enhances uterine warming effects.

• Fructus Evodiae (Wu Zhu Yu) – Evodia Fruit (3–6g)

  • Warms the middle, disperses cold, and alleviates pain.

  • Supports the warming action of Ai Ye and Rou Gui.

• Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) – Chinese Angelica Root (6–12g)

  • Nourishes and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain.

  • Supports uterine health and harmonizes the formula.