Gyeji-bokryung-hwan (GBH) is a five-herb traditional formula documented in the classical Chinese medical text Jingui Yaolue (circa 3rd century CE) and widely adopted in Korean traditional medicine, Japanese Kampo, and Chinese herbal practice. Each ingredient plays a defined role: cinnamon twig warms and moves circulation, poria calms and supports fluid metabolism, peony and moutan cool and activate blood, and peach kernel breaks up stagnation. Together, they address what traditional systems call 'blood stasis' — a pattern linked to painful, irregular, or heavy periods, uterine growths, and circulatory sluggishness.

Modern research suggests GBH works through multiple pathways: its compounds appear to reduce inflammatory prostaglandins that drive menstrual cramping, inhibit excessive growth of smooth muscle cells in the uterus (relevant to fibroids), and modulate estrogen activity at the receptor level, which may explain its effects on menopausal symptoms. Poria's active compounds support immune balance, while paeoniflorin from peony root has documented anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions that ease pelvic pain.

In Korean and Japanese clinical practice, GBH is most commonly dispensed as standardized tablets or granules (e.g., Tsumura Keishi-bukuryo-gan in Japan, or pharmaceutical-grade Korean preparations). Traditional decoctions are prepared by simmering the five raw herbs together. Extract capsules and concentrated pills are available through licensed practitioners and some Asian pharmacy brands. Standardized products are preferred for consistent dosing.

• Menstrual pain and cramps
• Uterine fibroids
• Menopausal hot flashes and night sweats
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Pelvic blood stagnation (poor pelvic circulation)
• Endometriosis-related pain
• Ovarian cysts
• Cold extremities with pelvic discomfort
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Recurrence of uterine fibroid growth after conservative treatment (supported by clinical follow-up data from Japanese Kampo trials)

• Cinnamon (Ceylon or Cassia) — Contains cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid — the same active compounds found in GBH's lead herb, Gyeji (cinnamon twig). Regular culinary use supports circulation and has mild anti-inflammatory effects.
• Peony root tea — A direct food/tea source of paeoniflorin, one of GBH's key anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds; available as a herbal tea in East Asian grocery stores.
• Mushrooms (reishi, maitake, shiitake) — Functional mushrooms share biological compounds with Poria cocos and support immune modulation and anti-inflammatory pathways relevant to GBH's effects on pelvic tissue.
• Peaches and apricots — Seeds of stone fruits (especially peaches) contain amygdalin-related compounds similar to those in GBH's peach kernel ingredient; the fruit itself provides antioxidants that support circulation.
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) — Rich in DIM (diindolylmethane) and indole-3-carbinol, which support healthy estrogen metabolism — complementing GBH's estrogen-modulating effects for menstrual and menopausal symptoms.

• Mild nausea or stomach discomfort (most common, usually resolves with food)
• Loose stools or diarrhea (particularly at higher doses)
• Skin rash or itching (rare allergic response)
• Headache (uncommon, typically early in treatment)
• Increased menstrual flow in some women (expected with blood-moving action, usually temporary)
• Contraindicated or use with caution in pregnancy due to blood-activating herbs (peach kernel, moutan)

• Recommended daily: Standard clinical dose: 7.5 g/day of granule extract (Tsumura #25 Kampo standard) divided into 2–3 doses, or 6–9 g/day of concentrated pill form. Raw decoction: 3–5 g of each herb per serving, taken as a daily decoction. Follow product-specific standardized dosing when using commercial preparations.
• Best time of day: Typically taken 30 minutes before meals, 2–3 times daily (consistent with Kampo and Korean clinical protocols).
• With or without food: Traditionally taken before meals for better absorption; if GI discomfort occurs, take with a small amount of food.
• Time to effect: Menstrual pain: 1–3 menstrual cycles. Uterine fibroids: 3–6 months for measurable change. Menopausal symptoms: 4–8 weeks for initial improvement.
• How long to take it: For menstrual conditions: use for at least 3 full cycles before evaluating effectiveness. For fibroids or menopausal support: 6–12 months of continuous use is typical in clinical studies. Reassess with a practitioner every 3–6 months. Unlike some single-herb extracts, cycling is not typically required.