【Source】

“Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber”

 【Ingredients】

Astragalus Root (Huáng Qí), White Peony Root (Bái Sháo), Cinnamon Twig (Guì Zhī), Fresh Ginger (Shēng Jiāng), Jujube (Dà Zǎo) (5)

 【Classification】

<Blood Tonifying>: White Peony Root (Sháo Yào)

<Spleen and Middle Jiao Tonifying>: Jujube (Dà Zǎo)

<Qi Tonifying>: Astragalus Root (Huáng Qí)

<Pungent-Warm Exterior-Releasing>: Fresh Ginger (Shēng Jiāng), Cinnamon Twig (Guì Zhī)

【Formula Rationale】

Shān Bǔ: Astragalus Root acts as the chief herb to tonify Wei-qi. Cinnamon Twig and White Peony act as minister herbs to tonify Ying-qi. Fresh Ginger and Jujube act as assistant herbs to both tonify and facilitate flow, thereby harmonizing Ying and Wei. This formula is a modified version of Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, with the addition of Astragalus Root and the removal of Licorice Root and Maltose, indicating its purpose is to tonify the exterior, not the middle Jiao.

 【Functions】

Tonifies Qi and Blood, harmonizes Ying and Wei.

 【Indications】

Blood obstruction syndrome (Xuè Bì), both Yin and Yang are weak, pulse at Cun Kou and Guan is weak, pulse at Chi is slightly tight, external symptoms include numbness of the body, resembling Wind Bi syndrome, also treats Wind Flaccidity (Fēng Fèi). Shān Bǔ: Wind Flaccidity (Fēng Fèi) with no body pain, hemiplegia, weakness of hands and feet, inability to move or walk.

 【Applications】

Beriberi, hemiplegia, facial nerve paralysis, neurological disorders.

 【Mnemonic】

Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig, White Peony, three assistant herbs), remove Licorice Root (Gān Cǎo), double Fresh Ginger (Shēng Jiāng), add Astragalus Root (Huáng Qí). Total five ingredients.

 【Modifications】

Shān Bǔ: (1) If left hemiplegia, add Chinese Angelica Root (Dāng Guī) to nourish blood; if right hemiplegia, double Astragalus Root (Huáng Qí) to tonify Qi. (2) If hands are weak, double Cinnamon Twig (Guì Zhī); if feet are weak, add Achyranthes Root (Niú Xī). (3) If sinews are weak, add Quince Fruit (Mù Guā); if bones are weak, add Tiger Bone (Hǔ Gǔ). (4) If Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is deficient, add Ginseng (Rén Shēn); if Yang Qi is deficient, add Aconite Root (Fù Zǐ). (5) Clinicians should adjust according to the case. Prolonged use is always effective. If external Wind-evil is severe, one should also consider Qiang Huo Yu Feng Tang (Notopterygium Root Wind-Dispelling Decoction), to both tonify and dispel.

(1) For severe blood deficiency after childbirth or menstruation, add Chinese Angelica Root (Dāng Guī), Spatholobus Stem (Jī Xuè Téng), Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuān Xiōng), to nourish blood and unblock collaterals.

(2) If there is blood stasis, add Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuān Xiōng), Safflower (Hóng Huā), Peach Kernel (Táo Rén), to invigorate blood and unblock collaterals.

(3) If accompanied by phlegm-dampness, add Arisaema Rhizome (Nán Xīng), Typhonium Rhizome (Bái Fù Zǐ), White Mustard Seed (Bái Jiè Zǐ), Pinellia Rhizome (Bàn Xià), to resolve phlegm-dampness.

(4) If numbness is severe, add Scorpion (Quán Xiē), Silkworm Larva (Jiāng Cán). If due to cold evil, further add Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuān Xiōng) to invigorate blood, unblock channels, and collaterals.

(5) If Wind-evil is severe, add Schizonepeta (Jīng Jiè), Siler Root (Fáng Fēng), Stephania Root (Fáng Jǐ), to dispel wind and unblock collaterals.

(6) If Qi deficiency is severe, add Codonoppsis Root (Dǎng Shēn) and increase the dosage of Astragalus Root (Huáng Qí) to tonify Qi.

(7) If legs and knees are weak and powerless, add Achyranthes Root (Niú Xī), Eucommia Bark (Dù Zhòng), Dipsacus Root (Xù Duàn), to strengthen tendons and bones.

(8) If tendons are contracted, making flexion and extension difficult, add Quince Fruit (Mù Guā), to relax tendons.

(9) If meridians throughout the body, or on the left or right side, are obstructed, add Prepared Aconite Root (Páo Fù Zǐ), to warm the meridians and collaterals.