【Source】
Zhengti Leiyao (1529), Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng (1607)
【Ingredients】
Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Renshen (Ginseng), Baishao (White Peony Root), Baizhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Dazao (Chinese Date)
(10)
【Category】
<Blood Tonifying>: Shudi, Danggui, Shaoyao
<Spleen and Middle Jiao Tonifying>: Baizhu, Gancao, Dazao
<Qi Tonifying>: Renshen
<Releasing Exterior with Acrid and Warm Herbs>: Shengjiang
<Spleen Tonifying and Dampness Resolving>: Fuling
<Blood Invigorating and Stasis Removing>: Chuanxiong
【Formula Explanation】
Formulary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tang: Renshen and Shudi tonify Qi and nourish Blood, serving as the principal herbs in the formula. Baizhu and Fuling strengthen the Spleen and percolate Dampness; when combined with Renshen, they tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen. Danggui and Baishao nourish Blood and harmonize Ying (Nutritive Qi); when combined with Shudi, they tonify Yin Blood, serving as secondary herbs in the formula. Chuanxiong invigorates Blood and moves Qi, serving as an adjuvant herb to prevent stagnation from the tonifying herbs. Zhi Gancao tonifies Qi and harmonizes the Middle Jiao, coordinating all herbs, serving as the guiding herb.
【Functions】
Dual tonification of Qi and Blood.
【Indications】
Deficiency and depletion patterns due to dual deficiency of Qi and Blood with Spleen and Stomach disharmony, manifested as pale or withered yellow complexion, dizziness, blurred vision, lassitude of limbs, shortness of breath, disinclination to speak, palpitations, diminished appetite, pale tongue with thin white coating, and fine, weak or deficient, large, and forceless pulse.
【Clinical Applications】
Anemia, chronic wasting diseases, chronic gastritis, gastrointestinal neurosis, insomnia, lower back pain in women, irregular menstruation, excessive postpartum blood loss, habitual abortion.
【Mnemonic】
Si Jun Zi Tang and Si Wu Tang make up Ba Zhen Tang; variations can create many formulas. #
【Modifications】
(1) For metrorrhagia or metrostaxis, remove Chuanxiong, add Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), Qiancao (Rubia root) charcoal, and Chen Zong Tan (Carbonized Palm Fiber) to stop bleeding. If Qi deficiency is severe, add Huangqi (Astragalus root) to tonify Qi and control blood. (2) For blood deficiency with irregular menstruation, inaccurate periods, and dysmenorrhea, add Yimucao (Motherwort) to invigorate blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. (3) Adding Huangqi and Rougui (Cinnamon bark) to this formula yields Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction) from the Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang. Its function is to warm and tonify Qi and Blood, and it is indicated for Qi and Blood deficiency, reduced appetite, prolonged illness with body weakness, weakness in legs and knees, withered yellow complexion, mental fatigue, non-healing sores, and metrorrhagia in women. It is also used for any post-illness condition where Qi is not as good as before, worry and overthinking, injury to Qi and Blood causing cough, wheezing, fullness, weak Spleen and Kidney Qi, and vexation in the five centers. (4) Adding Huangqi, Rougui, Wuweizi (Schisandra fruit), Yuanzhi (Polygala root), Chenpi (Citrus peel), Shengjiang, and Dazao to this formula and removing Chuanxiong yields <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/人參養榮湯/’>Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nutritive Decoction) from the Sanyin Ji Yi Bingzheng Fanglun. Its function is to benefit Qi, nourish Blood, nourish the Heart, and calm the Spirit. It is indicated for accumulated fatigue and deficiency, Qi and Blood deficiency, heavy limbs, sore bones and muscles, wheezing with movement, urinary urgency, stiff lower back, fright palpitations due to Heart deficiency, dry throat and lips, tasteless food, and emaciation. (5) Adding Huangqi, Xuduan (Dipsacus root), Huangqin (Scutellaria root), <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/砂仁/’>Sharen (Amomum fruit), and glutinous rice to this formula and removing Fuling yields Taishan Pan Shi San (Mount Tai Bedrock Powder). Its function is to benefit Qi, strengthen the Spleen, nourish Blood, and calm the fetus. It is indicated for Qi and Blood deficiency in women, whether plump and weak, or thin with blood heat, or with inherent deficiency of Liver and Spleen, fatigue, reduced appetite, and repeated history of miscarriage.