[Sources]

“Li Dong Yuan Fang” (1249), “Bian Huo Lun Ming Nei Wai Shang” (1249), “Shou Shi Bao Yuan” (1594).

 [Composition]

砂/’>Zhusha, Huang Lian, Gan Cao, Sheng Di Huang, Dang Gui
(5)

 [Classification Group]

<Nourishing Blood>: Dang Gui

<Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood>: Sheng Di Huang

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle>: Gan Cao

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Huang Lian

<Calming the Spirit>: 砂/’>Zhusha

[Formula Meaning]

“Nei Wai Shang Bian”: The “Nei Jing” states: When heat evil is excessive, treat with sweet and cold herbs, and use bitter herbs to purge. Huang Lian’s bitter coldness removes vexation and clears damp-heat, acting as the monarch; Gan Cao and Sheng Di Huang’s sweet coldness purge fire, tonify Qi, and nourish Yin and Blood, acting as the minister; Dang Gui tonifies insufficient Blood; Zhu Sha introduces floating fire downwards, thus calming the spirit. “Shi Fang Ge Kuo”: Dong Yuan’s formulas are often disorganized and lack order, but this formula uses a heavy dose of Zhu Sha to calm fright, bitter Huang Lian to clear heat, Dang Gui to swiftly nourish blood, Gan Cao’s sweetness to moderate the excessive bitterness of Huang Lian, and Di Huang’s moistening properties to assist Dang Gui’s deficiencies. The formula’s intent is quite pure and can be considered for selection.

 [Functions]

Clears the Heart, nourishes Blood, calms the Heart, pacifies the spirit, nourishes Yin, and clears heat.

 [Efficacy]

Excessive Heart Fire, Heart Blood deficiency, restless spirit, vexation and heat in the chest, dizziness, floating sensation, palpitations, easily startled, disturbed sleep, insomnia with excessive dreaming, chaotic Qi in the chest with heat, presenting as a state of vexation and annoyance.

 [Indications]

Arrhythmia, premature ventricular contractions, myocarditis, neurasthenia, memory impairment, insomnia, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, etc.

 [Contraindications]

(1) Contraindicated in cases of Heart Qi deficiency and restless spirit. (2) Avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, as well as smoking and alcohol. (3) Contraindicated for those with indigestion, epigastric discomfort, palpitations, and insomnia due to digestive issues. (4) Contraindicated during pregnancy. (5) Should not be used concurrently with iodine or bromine compounds, as the Zhu Sha component (mercuric sulfide, HgS) can react with iodine or bromine compounds in the gastrointestinal tract to produce irritating mercuric iodide or bromide, leading to dysentery-like stools and severe iatrogenic enteritis. (6) Should not be taken in large doses or for prolonged periods, especially by children.

 [Mnemonics]

Ah Zhu Lian Sheng Di Di, Dang Ran An Xin Bu Cao Xin Hui Jia Le (Zhu Lian Sheng Di Dang Cao Gui).

 [Additions and Subtractions]

(1) If Heart Fire is extremely strong, add Zhi Zi and Zhu Ye to clear and purge Heart Fire. (2) If insomnia with excessive dreaming is due to agitated Heart Fire accompanied by Heart Blood and Yin deficiency, add Bai Zi Ren and Suan Zao Ren to nourish the Heart and calm the spirit. (3) If insomnia is accompanied by Liver Qi stagnation, add He Huan Pi and Ye Jiao Teng to soothe the Liver, nourish the spirit, and calm the spirit.