【Source】

“Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu”

 【Composition】

Astragalus, Anemarrhena, Bupleurum, Platycodon, Cimicifuga
(5)

 【Classification】

<Dispelling Exterior with Acrid and Cool Herbs>: Bupleurum, Cimicifuga

<Tonifying Qi>: Astragalus

<Resolving Phlegm>: Platycodon

<Clearing Heat and Draining Fire>: Anemarrhena

【Formula Analysis】

Sheng Xian Tang uses Astragalus as the principal ingredient because Astragalus is excellent at tonifying and raising qi, and its light nature contains oxygen, which has a wonderful synergistic effect with the body’s great qi. However, its nature is slightly warm, so it is moderated by the cool and moistening Anemarrhena. Bupleurum, a herb of the Shaoyang, can guide the descending great qi to rise from the left. Cimicifuga, a herb of the Yangming, can guide the descending great qi to rise from the right. Platycodon acts as a “boat and oar” among herbs, carrying the power of other herbs to the chest, thus serving as a guide.

 【Functions】

Tonifies and benefits lung qi, raises fallen qi and promotes ascent.

 【Indications】

Collapse of the great qi in the chest, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or gasping breaths, or impending cessation of breathing, with sunken, slow, and weak pulses, especially pronounced in the Guan position. Symptoms may include incomplete pulse, or irregular pulse rate.

 【Clinical Applications】

Chronic atrophic gastritis, visceral ptosis, gastric torsion, viral myocarditis, diabetes, post-radiotherapy rectal bleeding in cervical cancer, viral myocarditis, intractable chest pain, wasting and thirsting disorder with diarrhea, etc.

 【Mnemonic】

Bupleurum and Platycodon can raise and lift fallen qi, pray for mother’s health (Astragalus and Anemarrhena).

 【Modifications】

For extreme qi deficiency, add Ginseng to reinforce the root of qi. Or add Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu) to prevent qi from scattering. For a feeling of lower abdominal distension or pain, indicating that the great qi has descended to the abyss, a strong dose of Cimicifuga is necessary to raise it, hence adding 5 fen or doubling the dose to 2 qian of Cimicifuga. The intention behind the formula is thus, and timely and flexible adjustments depend on the practitioner’s skill and adaptability.

 【Pharmacology】

Possesses effects of increasing intestinal smooth muscle tension, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, immune-enhancing, cardiotonic, hypotensive, and hepatoprotective actions.