If you‘re one of the nearly 2 billion people worldwide who menstruate, you‘re likely all too familiar with the unpleasant, painful symptoms that can accompany your monthly cycle. From cramps and bloating to headaches and digestive issues, getting your period is no walk in the park for many folks.
Some turn to over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol to manage their symptoms. But what if you‘re seeking a more natural solution? Enter Elix Healing.
Elix is a wellness brand that offers customized herbal tinctures designed to alleviate period pain and promote menstrual health. Using principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Elix creates personalized blends they call your "Cycle Balance" that target the specific hormones and compounds associated with PMS discomfort.
Intrigued? In this in-depth Elix Healing review, we‘ll take a closer look at the science behind this holistic approach, the ingredients used in Elix‘s tinctures, what customers have to say, and ultimately help you decide if Elix is right for you and your cycle.
What is Elix Healing and how does it work?
Founded in 2020 by Lulu Ge, Elix Healing aims to provide powerful, personalized herbal remedies for period relief. The concept for the brand was inspired by Ge‘s own journey with debilitating PMS symptoms after going off hormonal birth control.
She turned to her grandfather, who ran a hospital in China that used TCM treatments, and his colleague Dr. Xia Hongsheng, former Chief Physician at the Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Together with a team of TCM experts, Ge developed Elix‘s signature product – the custom Cycle Balance tinctures.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, Elix creates your unique Cycle Balance blend based on your responses to a detailed health questionnaire. Using TCM pattern diagnosis principles, the Elix team assesses your symptoms and crafts a targeted herbal formula.
Common symptoms they aim to address include:
- Uterine cramping and pain
- Heavy bleeding or irregular cycles
- Bloating and water retention
- Headaches and migraines
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
Elix states that 30% of their customers use the tinctures to help manage chronic conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids. However, they are clear that the blends are not a treatment or cure for these disorders.
The science and TCM principles behind Elix
So how legit is this whole herbal tincture for period relief concept? Let‘s dig into the research and Traditional Chinese Medicine basis for the Elix approach.
TCM is a holistic medical system that‘s been used in China for over 2,000 years. Its core principles revolve around the ideas that:
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The body is an interconnected whole, and a symptom in one area likely has a root cause elsewhere that must be addressed
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Imbalances in the body‘s energy (or Qi) and Yin and Yang are the source of health issues
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Herbal remedies, along with practices like acupuncture and massage, can help restore balance and relieve symptoms
In the case of period problems, TCM believes issues often stem from Qi stagnation and blood stasis in the uterus. This manifests as pain, clotting and irregular bleeding.
The specific herbs in Elix‘s tinctures are chosen to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, soothe the nervous system, and restore hormonal harmony. Elix points to both TCM tradition and modern studies that demonstrate the benefits of the ingredients they use.
For example, angelica sinensis (dong quai) is an herb used for centuries in China for gynecological complaints. Studies show compounds in dong quai can reduce period pain by regulating prostaglandins and have muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects.
White peony root is another popular herb for cramps, PMS and endometriosis thanks to its anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. One 2015 study found that paeoniflorin, a compound in the herb, alleviated endometriosis in rats by inhibiting inflammation and suppressing lesions.
Ginger is also a star ingredient in Elix‘s blends and has significant scientific backing for period problems. A 2015 systematic review concluded that ginger was more effective for relieving painful periods than a placebo, and as effective as NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
While more large scale human studies are still needed, the existing research and extensive history of use in TCM suggest these herbs can be powerful tools for period relief.
Elix Tincture Ingredients
Now that we‘ve covered the TCM basis for the Elix approach, let‘s take a closer look at what‘s actually in these tinctures.
Elix offers two core products:
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Cycle Balance – The custom herbal blend based on your questionnaire answers and symptoms. It contains a base of angelica sinensis, white peony, licorice, mint, and ginger, plus additional herbs chosen for your needs.
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Daily Harmony – A blend of 13 herbs and medicinal mushrooms designed for daily hormone balance and stress relief. Key ingredients include reishi, ashwagandha, dong quai, ginger, and bupleurum.
All of the tinctures are:
- Made with 100% organic, non-GMO herbs
- Gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free
- Contained in a liquid base of non-GMO cane alcohol and filtered water
- Free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
- Manufactured in a GMP compliant and FDA registered facility
Elix sources many of their herbs from their native regions in China for optimal potency. Each herb is then slow-extracted individually and lab tested for purity before being blended into the final formulas.
Potential Benefits of Elix Tinctures
Based on the TCM indications and research behind the herbs used, the core benefits of Elix tinctures seem to be:
- Reduced period pain and cramping
- Lighter bleeding and more regular cycles
- Less PMS symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings
- Better stress resilience and energy levels throughout your cycle
Customers report additional perks like clearer skin, improved digestion, and better sleep. Essentially, by helping balance your hormones and inflammation levels, Elix aims to get your whole system functioning more smoothly.
Are there any side effects or risks?
As with any new supplement, it‘s crucial to check with your doctor before starting Elix tinctures – especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or take medications. Some herbs can interact with drugs or exacerbate issues.
Elix does provide Safety & Drug Interaction Info for each of their ingredients. A few precautions they note:
- Don‘t take while pregnant or breastfeeding
- Avoid if you have fibroids or other estrogen-dominant conditions
- Use caution if you have a history of cancer
- Can reduce absorption of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
- May lower blood sugar or blood pressure
The most common side effects reported are mild digestive disturbances like nausea or loose stools, typically when first starting. Elix advises stopping use if you experience severe symptoms.
It‘s also good to be aware that herbal medicines can take time to have an effect. Elix states that while a small percentage of users notice changes in the first cycle, it can take 2-3 months of consistent use to experience the full benefits.
What do customer reviews say?
Elix has glowing reviews on their website, with their Cycle Balance blend earning 4.8 out of 5 stars from nearly 450 customers. Positive feedback praises the tinctures for delivering on their promises:
"I used to have extremely painful cramps that would leave me in the fetal position. During my first cycle with Elix, my cramps were so minimal I almost forgot I had my period!" – Sarah L.
"PMS had been taking over my life every month. Extreme mood swings, breakouts, bloating – the works. I‘m in my 3rd month with Elix and it‘s all basically gone." – Jenna M.
"For the first time in my life, my period came right on time. No more crazy irregular cycles! I‘m shocked and amazed." – Leah T.
There are a handful of 3-star reviews from folks who didn‘t notice much change. A few complained about the strong taste. But the vast majority rave about easier, happier cycles with Elix.
On Trustpilot, Elix earns an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers applaud the attentive customer service and effective formulas. The only complaints seem to be around shipping delays.
It‘s worth noting that experiences with herbal supplements can vary a lot from person to person. But the largely positive feedback suggests Elix is delivering real relief to plenty of period sufferers.
Elix vs. Other Brands
Elix certainly isn‘t the only player in the natural period care space. Other brands offering herbal PMS relief include traditional supplement companies like Gaia Herbs and New Chapter, as well as more trendy wellness brands like Moon Juice and The Honey Pot.
What sets Elix apart is their focus on custom, TCM-based formulas and unique tincture delivery method. While other brands sell one-size-fits all capsules or teas, Elix tailors their blends to your body and offers the tincture format for faster absorption and efficacy.
The company also goes above and beyond with their commitment to high quality sourcing and rigorous testing of each ingredient and formula.
Price-wise, Elix‘s tinctures cost $48 per month – which is definitely on the higher end compared to your average bottle of evening primrose or cramp bark capsules. However, the potency and personalization may justify the cost for those who haven‘t found relief with other natural options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take Elix tinctures?
For the Cycle Balance blend, you take 2 full droppers (equivalent to 100 drops or 2 mL) two times daily. Start 5-7 days before your period is due. If you have an irregular cycle, begin taking it as soon as you notice PMS symptoms.
Daily Harmony can be taken any time of the month. The dose is 2 full droppers once per day.
The tinctures can be dropped directly in the mouth or mixed into 8 oz of water or tea.
How long does it take Elix to work?
Herbal remedies can take time to balance your system. While a small percentage of Elix customers report relief in the first cycle, it‘s common to need 2-3 months to experience the full effects.
This is why Elix recommends committing to at least 3 cycles before evaluating if it‘s working for you.
Can I take Elix if I‘m on hormonal birth control?
According to Elix, their formulas are safe to take with hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, or ring. However, it‘s always a good idea to check with your doctor before combining herbal medicine with any other medication.
What is Elix‘s return policy?
Elix offers refunds on a case-by-case basis. If you‘ve been consistently using your custom Cycle Balance blend for 3 months, have submitted feedback, and don‘t feel any improvements, you can email them at [email protected] to discuss a refund.
For any other products, they only accept returns of unopened items within 30 days of purchase.
The Verdict: Is Elix worth it?
If you‘re struggling with painful, problematic periods and searching for a natural solution, Elix is definitely worth exploring. Their personalized, TCM-based tinctures have a strong basis in both ancient tradition and modern research when it comes to managing period symptoms.
While no supplement is guaranteed to work for everyone, the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews suggest Elix has made a real difference for many menstruating folks. The custom formulas and commitment to quality also set Elix apart from other options on the market.
It‘s not the cheapest product out there, but for potentially saving you from monthly misery, the $48/bottle price tag may be well worth it. Plus, you can save a bit by prepaying for a 3 or 6 month subscription.
As with any new supplement routine, give yourself time to experience the full benefits, and don‘t be afraid to reach out to Elix‘s in-house herbalists if you have any questions or concerns along the way.
Here‘s to taking control of your cycle and flowing through each month with more ease, naturally!
