Your root cause pattern is Blood deficiency. This can be the result of longstanding heavy periods, poor digestive strength, stress depleting your inner resources or your constitution, which is the genetic imprint you bring into this life. Regardless, it’s important to know that you can support your body to build Blood and shift this pattern for yourself. 

Blood deficiency is a common issue for women in their menstruating years. It can cause an overall feeling of malaise or low energy, along with many other womb health issues. The Blood provides the Shen, or spirit, a place to rest. So, Blood deficiency can cause a feeling of restlessness or even anxiety. The womb relies on a rich supply of Blood to be full and then emptied, empty and then filled. 

Sexually you may feel fairly lackluster at times and potentially deal with vaginal dryness or trouble with building and sustaining arousal. Not to worry, this is figureoutable!  

Many traditional cultures ensure that women have access to foods that nourish Blood, while also naturally increasing fertility and sustaining vitality through the reproductive years. These foods are often animal based, have ample fat and protein and are rich in bioavailable nutrients. All components essential for making more Blood! 

According to East Asian Medicine, the Spleen plays a big role both in Blood production and in digestion. It also keeps Blood in the vessels. It’s time to love up on your Spleen! 

With Blood deficiency being your root cause you need to be sure you address any heavy bleeding and also be sure your gut health is intact so you can assimilate the nourishment required to make more Blood. I’m glad you’re here to start to make some changes at the root level.

Some potential problems associated with Blood deficiency: 

• Light menstrual flow
• Infertility
• Long or irregular cycles
• Amenorrhea 
• Low estradiol
• PCOS
• Not enough cervical fluid
• Emotional dysregulation
• Dizziness
• Poor vision (especially at night)
• Feeling fatigued after period
• Anemia 
• Menstrual pain
• Vaginal dryness 

The top 3 recommendations to build and nourish Blood for your womb health:

1. Nourishment through food. During and after your bleeding time, it’s essential to be sure you’re getting the nourishment required to replenish Blood. Foods that support building Blood include: mineral-rich broths, soups and stews, grass-fed beef, leafy greens, beets, organ meats, free-range chicken or pork and wild-caught fish or seafood. Ensure that you are getting enough fat and protein to nourish your body, build Blood and enrich your womb lining. If you know you’re ready to dive deep into true nourishment and lasting gut health, check out Womb Medicine’s self-paced course: Digestive Reset for Hormonal Resilience.

2. Simple herbal infusions. In addition to nourishment through food, nourishment can also come through simple herbal infusions that are safe and effective for most people. Plants that are relatively easy to find in dried plant material and help support Blood are: nettles, dandelion leaf and red raspberry leaf. You can make a mix of these or use just one. To make an infusion, use about 1/4th cup of plant material for a 32 oz mason jar. Fill the jar with herbs and room temperature water, cover and leave on the counter for 8-12 hours. Strain and drink or store in the fridge for a few days. You can reuse the plant material for one more infusion, this time adding hot water, covering and leaving it out for several hours before straining. It’s best to do this regularly to see the benefits.

3. Try vaginal steaming, as long as you’re not pregnant of course! You can start on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Vaginal steaming can help your Womb release any stagnation caused by lack of Blood flow. Read all about Vaginal Steaming here to get started. Plus, the Womb Medicine Shop has 5 custom steam blends. I recommend checking out Fertile Flow.

If you’re able to implement a few of these changes and stick with it for 2-3 months, I think you’ll see some significant changes and be more rooted in your womb cycle vitality, hormonal resilience and sexual expression. Blood deficiency is a common root cause of womb health issues! It’s time to build Blood and have greater access to your vitality.