【Source】

Zhengti Leiyao (1529), Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng (1607)

 【Ingredients】

Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Renshen (Ginseng), Baishao (White Peony Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), Fuling (Poria), Shudi (Rehmannia glutinosa preparata), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Zhi Gancao (Licorice) (honey-fried), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Dazao (Chinese Dates)
(10)

 【Category】

<Blood Tonifying>: Shudi, Danggui, Shaoyao

<Spleen and Middle-Jiao Tonifying>: Baizhu, Gancao, Dazao

<Qi Tonifying>: Renshen

<Acrid-Warm Exterior Releasing>: Shengjiang

<Spleen Tonifying and Water-Dampness Draining>: Fuling

<Blood Invigorating and Stasis Dispelling>: Chuanxiong

【Formula Analysis】

Formulae and Strategies (Tang): Renshen and Shudi tonify Qi and nourish Blood, serving as the main herbs in the formula. Baizhu and Fuling strengthen the Spleen and drain dampness, working with Renshen to tonify Qi and the Spleen. Danggui and Baishao nourish Blood and harmonize Ying, working with Shudi to nourish Yin Blood, acting as secondary herbs in the formula. Chuanxiong invigorates Blood and promotes Qi circulation, serving as an assistant herb to prevent stagnation from tonification. Zhi Gancao tonifies Qi and harmonizes the middle Jiao, coordinating all the herbs, acting as the guiding herb.

 【Functions】

Tonifies both Qi and Blood.

 【Indications】

Deficiency and exhaustion due to dual deficiency of Qi and Blood and disharmony of the Spleen and Stomach, manifested as pale or sallow complexion, dizziness and blurred vision, lassitude of the limbs, shortness of breath and disinclination to speak, palpitations and anxiety, reduced appetite, pale tongue with a thin white coating, and a thin, weak, or deficient and large, and forceless pulse.

 【Indications】

Anemia, chronic wasting diseases, chronic gastritis, gastrointestinal neurosis, insomnia, low back pain in women, irregular menstruation, excessive blood loss after childbirth, habitual abortion.

 【Mnemonic】

Si Jun Zi Tang + Si Wu Tang = Ba Zhen Tang, variations can create several other formulas #

 【Modifications】

(1) For metrorrhagia or metrostaxis, remove Chuanxiong and add Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), Qiancao (Rubia Root) charcoal, and Chen Zong Tan (carbonized palm fiber) to stop bleeding. If Qi deficiency is severe, add Huangqi (Astragalus) to tonify Qi and contain the Blood. (2) For blood deficiency causing irregular menstruation, irregular periods, or abdominal pain during menstruation, add Yimucao (Motherwort) to invigorate blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. (3) Adding Huangqi and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) to this formula yields Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction) [Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang]. Its functions are to warm and tonify Qi and Blood, indicated for Qi and Blood deficiency, reduced appetite, long-term illness with bodily weakness, weakness of the legs and knees, sallow complexion, mental fatigue, unhealing sores, and metrorrhagia in women. It is also used for all post-illness conditions where Qi is not as it was, worry and overthinking, injuries affecting the blood and Qi causing cough, wheezing, fullness in the middle Jiao, weak Spleen and Kidney Qi, and five-center heat. (4) Adding Huangqi, Rougui, Wuweizi (Schisandra), Yuanzhi (Polygala Root), Chenpi (Citrus Peel), Shengjiang, and Dazao while removing Chuanxiong creates Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nutritive Decoction) [San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun]. Its functions are to benefit Qi, nourish Blood, nourish the Heart, and calm the Shen, indicated for accumulated fatigue and depletion, Qi and Blood deficiency, heaviness of the four limbs, sore muscles and bones, shortness of breath with wheezing upon movement, urinary urgency, stiff lower back, heart deficiency with fright palpitations, dry throat and lips, tastelessness, and emaciation. (5) Adding Huangqi, Xuduan (Dipsacus Root), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/砂仁/’>Sharen (Amomum Fruit), and glutinous rice while removing Fuling creates Taishan Panshi San (Mount Tai Rock Solid Powder). Its functions are to benefit Qi, strengthen the Spleen, nourish Blood, and calm the fetus, indicated for women with Qi and Blood deficiency, whether overweight and lacking substance, or thin with blood heat, or with inherent deficiency of the Liver and Spleen, fatigue, poor appetite, and a history of recurrent miscarriage.