What Chinese herbal foot soaks are good for menstrual issues?

Well, that totally depends on why, and when, you're soaking your feet.

Foot soaks have become a popular practice, particularly among women. Not only will they keep your feet warmer through the colder months, but by adding traditional Chinese herbs to this simple ritual, it can transform the benefits of the experience. In this article, we will explore why foot soaking is helpful and how specific Chinese herbal blends can enhance your menstrual cycle during the follicular and luteal phases.

The Benefits of Foot Soaks

Foot soaks provide a soothing way to relax. They improve circulation, reduce stress, and can ease muscle tension. When you introduce a herbal element, these soaks become a holistic treatment. Chinese herbs have been used in foot soaks for thousands of years. When the herbs are boiled, the herbal properties are released into the water - providing an external application when you soak in them. This makes it a gentle, non-invasive way to deliver the benefits of the herbs.

Meridians that traverse the feet and ankles

The feet are rich in blood vessels and sweat glands, and when the feet are warmed, these open wider, allowing more absorption of the active compounds from herbs. The heat increases circulation, so when the compounds enter tiny capillaries near the surface, they will be transported into systemic circulation. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the herbs travel from the many meridians in the feet and ankles up through the body pathways.

By using specific herbs during each menstrual cycle phase, you can customise your foot soak routine to relieve symptoms and enhance your overall wellness.

Chinese Herbal Foot Soaks for the Follicular Phase

The follicular phase is from the first day of bleeding, up until ovulation. Using a warming and nourishing foot soak after your bleeding has finished, can help replenish warmth and blood that has been lost with menstruation, encouraging a new healthy endometrial lining and helping to promote egg maturation ready for ovulation. Chinese herbs with a warming nature, are therefore helpful.

A lovely combination is:

Ai Ye, Rou Gui and Shen Jiang used in foot soaks for follicular support.

Ai Ye (mugwort): known for its warming properties, it helps warm the uterus, dispel cold, and support blood circulation in the reproductive organs.

Rou Gui (cinnamon): contributes warmth with its spicy aroma, which can warm the lower abdomen, invigorate blood circulation, uplift mood and strengthen Kidney Yang (essential for reproductive health).

Shen Jiang: (dried ginger) adds a zing to your soak, supporting overall circulation and warmth. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help ease pain and contribute to relaxation.

Chinese Herbal Foot Soaks for the Luteal Phase

As women enter the luteal phase (from ovulation up to when your period is due), symptoms may vary widely. A foot soak at this stage is helpful when it includes herbs which regulate and invigorate Qi (energy) and blood. We want to warm the body, and relieve any stagnation to promote a smooth menstrual flow and reduce PMS symptoms. An important note here: if you are trying to get pregnant, do not use foot soaks past ovulation in the month that you have tried. However, if you aren't trying to conceive, and your goal is helping with pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, mood changes or digestive issues, then a great foot soak blend could be:

Chen Pi and Hong Hua effective herbs for luteal phase foot soaks.

Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel): helps regulate Qi (energy flow), providing relief from mood fluctuations, constipation or bloating.

Hong Hua (safflower): A blood-invigorating herb that helps prevent clotting, reduces pain, and encourages smooth menstrual flow.

How Do I Do a Foot Soak?

You'll need to boil the herbs for about 10 minutes to extract the herbal properties. Then adding enough cool water until your feet can go in, soak your feet for 15 to 30 minutes.

Repeat nightly within the menstrual phase you are in.

Whether you're looking to ease menstrual discomfort or simply carve out a few moments for relaxation, our herbal foot soaks beautifully blend ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices.

At Bloom Acupuncture, we have packaged up these two herbal foot soaks. Choosing either Follicular or Luteal, each comes with 5 packs of each herb blend, a re-usable calico bag to minimise mess, and a full instruction sheet on how to use the herbs.

For more details and to purchase:

Follicular Foot Soak

Luteal Foot Soak