【Source】

“Pulse, Etiology, Symptomatology and Treatment” (1347), “Key Principles of Gynecology” (1724) Lower Volume.

 【Composition】

Chuan Xiong, Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui
(6)

 【Categories】

<Blood Tonifying>: Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui

<Qi Tonifying>: Huang Qi, Ren Shen

<Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis>: Chuan Xiong

【Formula Rationale】

Commentary: Ke Qin said: The Classic states: “Yin resides internally, serving as the guardian of Yang; Yang resides externally, serving as the agent of Yin.” Therefore, Yang without Yin is called “solitary Yang”; Yin without Yang is called “dead Yin.” Zhu Zhenheng said: All four ingredients of Si Wu Tang are Yin, enacting the closed and stagnant command of heaven and earth, not for nourishing all things. Therefore, if Si Wu Tang is supplemented with Zhi Mu and Huang Bai, prolonged consumption can lead to infertility, due to the aversion to lack of Yang. This formula combines Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) with Si Wu Tang to treat conditions like Yin deficiency and blood loss. For Yin and Yang are mutually rooted; when Yin is deficient, Yang loses its attachment, leading to vexing heat, dryness, and thirst; Qi and Blood are mutually interior and exterior; when blood is lost, Qi has nowhere to return, leading to restless sleep. However, there is no method for rapidly supplementing Yin deficiency; the strategy lies in cultivating Yin to store Yang. For blood loss, there is an opportunity to generate blood, but Qi must be tonified first. This is the principle of Yang generating Yin, and blood moving with Qi. Therefore it is said: “If Yin is deficient, there is no Qi; if there is no Qi, there is death.” Does this formula embody and expand upon the meaning of Zhang Zhongjing’s Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng)? Previous generations treating Yin deficiency using Ba Zhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) or Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) often failed to achieve efficacy because the sweetness of Gan Cao does not reach the Lower Jiao, the dryness of Bai Zhu is detrimental to Kidney Yin, the draining action of Fu Ling obstructs generation and ascent, and the pungent heat of Rou Gui stirs up deficient fire. These six ingredients are all mellow, peaceful, and moistening. When taken, they facilitate the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, harmonize the interior and exterior, and align with the sacred principles.

 【Functions】

Tonifies Qi and nourishes Blood, consolidates Blood.

 【Indications】

Conditions characterized by early menstruation, heavy and pale menstrual flow, limb weakness, body fatigue, and mental exhaustion. Commentary: All conditions involving excessive blood loss, Yin deficiency with weak Qi, vexing heat and thirst, restless sleep, etc.

 【Clinical Applications】

All conditions involving excessive blood loss or simultaneous deficiency of Qi and Blood, vexing thirst and feverishness, restless sleep, anemia, pale menstrual blood with scanty flow, etc.

 【Mnemonic】

Si Wu Tang plus Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Huang Qi (Astragalus Root).