【Source】

“Yilin Gaicuo” (Yi Lin Gai Cuo)

 【Composition】

Huang Qi (Milk-vetch root), Dang Gui Wei (Angelica tail), Chi Shao (Red Peony root), Di Long (Earthworm), Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage root), Tao Ren (Peach kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower)
(7)

 【Category】

<Tonify Blood>: Dang Gui Wei (Angelica tail)

<Tonify Qi>: Huang Qi (Milk-vetch root)

<Invigorate Blood and Remove Stasis>: Hong Hua (Safflower), Chi Shao (Red Peony root), Tao Ren (Peach kernel), Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage root)

<Calm Liver and Extinguish Wind>: Di Long (Earthworm)

【Rationale】

According to “Fang Ji Xue” (The Study of Formulas): The syndrome pattern for this formula is caused by deficiency of righteous qi and obstruction of collaterals by blood stasis. The treatment principle is to tonify qi, invigorate blood, and unblock collaterals. The formula heavily uses Huang Qi to tonify qi, so that when qi is abundant, blood also flows, and stasis is removed without harming the righteous qi. This is the principal herb. It is assisted by Gui Wei, Chuan Xiong, Chi Shao, Tao Ren, Hong Hua, and Di Long to invigorate blood and unblock collaterals. Since the main purpose is not to remove stasis but to tonify qi and unblock collaterals, Huang Qi is used in large quantities, taking advantage of its focused action and ability to circulate throughout the body, to help promote the efficacy of other herbs, allowing qi to be abundant, blood to flow, stasis to be removed, collaterals to be unblocked, and all symptoms to gradually resolve.

 【Functions】

Tonify qi, invigorate blood, unblock collaterals, remove stasis.

 【Indications】

Sequelae of stroke, such as hemiplegia, facial paralysis, aphasia, drooling, dry stools, frequent urination, incontinence of urine, pale tongue, and slow pulse.

 【Indications for Use】

Sequelae of cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, facial nerve paralysis, sciatica, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction.

 【Contraindications】

(1) This formula is suitable for the recovery period of stroke. Long-term use and slow treatment will yield significant effects. (2) It can be used for hypertension without harm, but it is contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency with blood heat. (3) It should be used with caution in individuals without qi deficiency. (4) Stroke involving internal organs is a severe condition. It is contraindicated in cases with significant disturbance of consciousness.

 【Mnemonic】

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang plus Di Long + Qi Long (Huang Qi and Di Long). My brother Qi Long.

 【Modifications】

(1) For those with spleen and stomach deficiency, add Dang Shen (Codonopsis root) and Bai Zhu (White atractylodes rhizome) to tonify qi and strengthen the spleen.

(2) For those with difficulty speaking, add Shi Chang Pu (Acorus gramineus rhizome) and Yu Jin (Curcuma tuber) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala root) to open the orifices and resolve phlegm.

(3) For those with excessive phlegm, add processed Ban Xia (Pinellia rhizome) and Tian Zhu Huang (Concretio silicea bambusae) to resolve phlegm.

(4) For those with cold constitution, add prepared Fu Zi (Aconite root) to warm yang and disperse cold.

(5) For facial paralysis, add Qian Zheng San (Formula for Straightening the Mouth and Eyes) to resolve phlegm and unblock collaterals.

(6) For severe paralysis of the lower limbs, add Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) and Niu Xi (Achyranthes root) to tonify the liver and kidneys and strengthen tendons and bones.

(7) For chronic paralysis that has not responded to treatment, add Shui Zhi (Leech) and Meng Chong (Tabanid) to break blood stasis and unblock collaterals.

(8) For recent onset of hemiplegia, add Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia root) 1 qian; after 4-5 doses, remove it.

(9) If the condition has persisted for two or three months, and previous physicians have used too many cold and cooling herbs according to ancient formulas, add Fu Zi (Aconite root) 4-5 qian; if too many wind-dispelling herbs have been used, add Dang Shen (Codonopsis root) 4-5 qian.

 【Pharmacology】

(1) It can increase the content of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in platelets, inhibit platelet aggregation and release reactions, and inhibit and dissolve thrombi. (2) It can increase myocardial contractility, myocardial nutritional blood flow, and enhance the body’s immune function.