【Source】

“Jingyue Quanshu”

 【Composition】

Angelica sinensis, Achyranthes bidentata, Cistanche deserticola, Alisma orientalis, Cimicifuga foetida, Citrus aurantium
(6)

 【Category】

<Blood-tonifying>: Angelica sinensis

<Qi-regulating>: Citrus aurantium

<Cooling the exterior with acridity>: Cimicifuga foetida

<Tonifying Yang and assisting Yang>: Cistanche deserticola

<Invigorating blood and dispelling stasis>: Achyranthes bidentata

<Promoting urination and draining dampness>: Alisma orientalis

【Formula Analysis】

According to “The Study of Formulae” by Tang: Cistanche deserticola warms the kidneys, benefits the essence, and moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements, serving as the chief herb in the formula. Angelica sinensis nourishes blood and moistens the intestines, while Achyranthes bidentata tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, excelling at descending, both acting as secondary herbs. Citrus aurantium broadens the intestines and directs qi downward, also assisting in bowel movements. Cimicifuga foetida clears and promotes the upward movement of yang; when clear yang ascends, turbid yin descends. It also prevents excessive purgation from harming the righteous qi, acting as an assistant herb. Alisma orientalis has a bland taste and drains turbidity, entering the kidneys to tonify deficiencies. When combined with Citrus aurantium, it achieves the effect of descending turbid yin and promoting bowel movements, serving as a guiding herb.

 【Functions】

Warms the kidneys, benefits the essence, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements.

 【Indications】

Chronic illness with deficiency, constipation, clear and long urination, sore and cold lower back.

 【Syndromes】

Constipation in the elderly, frail individuals, and postpartum women.

 【Mnemonic】

Angelica, beef, alisma, cistanche, rises, citrus → Angelica, beef, alisma, cistanche, rises, citrus. The price of beef has increased, so we have to eat less to save money (Jichuan).

 【Modifications】

(1) If Qi deficiency is also present, add Ginseng to tonify Qi. (2) If fire is present, add Scutellaria baicalensis to clear heat. (3) If kidney deficiency is severe, add prepared Rehmannia to tonify the kidneys and nourish yin, but remove Citrus aurantium to avoid damaging Qi. (4) If chronic dry intestinal constipation is present, remove the diuretic effect of Alisma orientalis and add Hemp seed and Cynomorium songaricum to enhance the warming, moistening, and laxative effects. (5) If there is soreness and pain in the lower back, with weak and flaccid tendons and bones, remove Alisma orientalis and add goji berry and Eucommia ulmoides to tonify the liver and kidneys and strengthen tendons and bones.