[Source]

“Essentials from the Golden Chamber”

 [Composition]

Licorice, Sheng Di (raw Rehmannia root), Atractylodes macrocephala, Fu Zi (prepared Aconite root), Donkey-hide gelatin, Scutellaria baicalensis, oven-fired yellow earth (soil from the inside of a stove)
(7)

 [Category Group]

<Blood Tonic>: Donkey-hide gelatin

<Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood>: Sheng Di

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice, Atractylodes macrocephala

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Scutellaria baicalensis

<Warming the Interior>: Aconite root

<Stopping Bleeding>: Oven-fired yellow earth

[Rationale of the Formula]

“Commentary on the Essentials from the Golden Chamber”: Fu Zi warms the Kidney Yang, and to prevent excessive dryness, it is assisted by the Yin-strengthening properties of Donkey-hide gelatin and Rehmannia root. Atractylodes macrocephala strengthens the Qi of the Spleen Earth. Earth produces life when it receives watery Qi, hence Scutellaria baicalensis and Licorice are used to clear heat. The oven-fired yellow earth, belonging to the same element as the Spleen, is used to guide the action into the Spleen, allowing the Spleen to receive warmth, akin to the Yang Qi within the earth during winter, forming the basis for growth. “Heart Canon of the Golden Chamber”: Yellow earth warms and dries, entering the Spleen, combined with Atractylodes macrocephala and Aconite root to restore the moving Qi. Donkey-hide gelatin, raw Rehmannia root, and Licorice nourish the depleted Yin. Furthermore, considering that pungent and warm herbs can exacerbate blood disorders, Scutellaria baicalensis, with its bitter and cold nature, is used to prevent excess, acting as a “controlled general.” “Discussion of Blood Disorders”: The formula uses oven-fired earth, licorice, and atractylodes to tonify the Spleen Earth, forming the basis for hemostasis. When Qi collapses, Yang also collapses, hence Aconite root is used to rouse Yang. When blood is injured, Yin is deficient and fire arises, hence Scutellaria baicalensis is used to clear fire. Donkey-hide gelatin and cooked Rehmannia root nourish the already deficient blood. In summary, this formula tonifies both Qi and blood, while also using cooling herbs to harmonize them. It is a foundational formula for treating bleeding and uterine bleeding.

 [Functions]

Warms Yang and strengthens the Spleen, nourishes blood and stops bleeding.

 [Efficacy]

Spleen Yang deficiency, cold in the Middle Jiao, blood in the stool, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding in women, pale blood color, cold limbs, sallow complexion, pale tongue with white coating, weak and deep pulse, etc.

 [Indications]

Gastrointestinal bleeding, anal bleeding, epistaxis, pulmonary hemorrhage, hematuria, functional uterine bleeding and threatened miscarriage, thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic non-specific ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, etc.

 [Contraindications]

Not suitable for bleeding due to excess heat.

 [Mnemonics]

Blood Tonic and Spleen Tonifying: Bai A Gan, Clearing Heat: Qin Di, Warming Interior and Stopping Bleeding: Fu Tu → A person, Bai A Gan, diligently works on covering the soil.

 [Additions and Subtractions]

(1) If Qi deficiency is severe, add Codonopsis to tonify Qi and control bleeding. (2) If bleeding is profuse, Bletilla striata, Panax notoginseng, prepared ginger, and charred Mugwort leaves can also be added to stop bleeding. (3) If appetite is poor, change Donkey-hide gelatin to Donkey-hide gelatin pearls to reduce its greasy nature. (4) If there is epigastric fullness, poor appetite, preference for warmth, aversion to cold, and loose stools, Scutellaria baicalensis should be stir-fried until charred to reduce its bitterness and coldness, and prepared ginger charcoal should be added to assist in warming the middle Jiao. (5) If accompanied by Qi deficiency and sinking, it should be used in conjunction with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. (6) If accompanied by both Spleen and Kidney deficiency, remove Scutellaria baicalensis and add Cinnamon and Psoralea corylifolia to warm and tonify Kidney Yang.

 [Pharmacology]

It has effects of stopping bleeding, enhancing immunity, anti-inflammation, and antibacterial properties.