【Alternative Names】

Detoxifying Si Wu Tang

【Naming】

《Han Dian》: This is a combined formula of Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction). It utilizes the warming property of Si Wu Tang to promote blood circulation and the clearing property of Huang Lian Jie Du Tang to resolve blood heat and dispel blood stasis. Hence, it is named Wen Qing Yin (Warm Clearing Decoction).

【Source】

Supplement to《Dan Xi Xin Fa》(Danxi’s Teachings on Internal Medicine, 1347),《Wan Bing Hui Chun》(The Spring for All Diseases, 1587), Volume 20.

【Composition】

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit). (8)

【Classification Categories】

<Blood Tonifying>: Bai Shao, Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang; <Clearing Heat and Draining Fire>: Zhi Zi; <Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Huang Qin, Huang Bai, Huang Lian; <Activating Blood and Dispelling Stasis>: Chuan Xiong.

【Formula Analysis】

Si Wu Tang (Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui, Bai Shao,Chuan Xiong) + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Huang Bai, Zhi Zi). (8)

【Mnemonic】

Huang Lian Jie Du + Si Wu.

【Functions】

Clearing heat and transforming dampness, nourishing blood and harmonizing Ying (nutritive qi).

【Indications】

(1) Irregular menstruation, sallow complexion, throbbing pain in the umbilical region/abdomen, alternating chills and fever, continuous metrorrhagia/metrostaxis, itchy skin sores, oral/tongue sores that are chronic and non-healing, insatiable thirst, and flaccidity/atrophy and numbness of the four limbs, etc., all caused by blood heat stagnation.

(2) Constitutionally, individuals with dark brownish skin that feels like rough paper and tends to be dry and irritable. Symptomatically, severe itching, or ulcers appearing and disappearing on mucous membranes. Presents with upward qi rebellion and a tendency for bleeding.

【Pharmacology】

Possesses immunomodulatory, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, sedative, and antipyretic effects.

【Clinical Applications】

Various types of bleeding (uterine bleeding, hematuria, epistaxis, hemoptysis), menorrhagia, leukorrhea, gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding, various skin diseases, dermatitis, pruritus, eczema, urticaria, acne, tinea versicolor, recurrent aphthous ulcers, gynecological diseases, etc.

【Contraindications】

Contraindicated in individuals with blood deficiency without heat.

【Formula Interpretation】

《Han Dian》: This is a combined formula of Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction). It utilizes the warming property of Si Wu Tang to promote blood circulation and the clearing property of Huang Lian Jie Du Tang to resolve blood heat and dispel blood stasis. Hence, it is named Wen Qing Yin (Warm Clearing Decoction). Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) is a blood-generating and blood-moistening agent, with functions of hematopoiesis and nourishment. Bai Shao (White Peony Root) harmonizes blood vessels and facilitates blood flow.

Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) also moistens blood and invigorates blood circulation. Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) is likewise a blood-generating and nourishing agent. All these ingredients enhance liver function and improve hepatic blood flow. In Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, starting from Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), all subsequent herbs have cooling and detoxifying effects, capable of clearing heat from the blood and alleviating systemic heat. It also calms Liver Qi, exhibiting a tranquilizing effect on conditions like excitement, restlessness, and neurosis caused by autonomic nervous dysfunction.

For patients with hypertension exhibiting symptoms such as upward qi rebellion, facial flushing, insomnia, and restlessness, this formula can be beneficial, similar to herbs like Gou Teng (Uncaria Hook), Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), and Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia). While Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder) is considered indicated for eczema, if it is ineffective, this formula (Wen Qing Yin) should be used; if this formula is ineffective, then Xiao Feng San should be considered.