【Source】

Volume 5 of “Dong Yuan Shi Xiao Fang” (Formulas Tested by Dong Yuan).

 【Ingredients】

Astragalus Root, Licorice Root, Ginseng, Black Cohosh Rhizome, Kudzu Root, Vitex Fruit, Peony Root, Phellodendron Bark
(8)

 【Categories】

<Blood Tonifying Herbs>: Peony Root

<Spleen and Middle Jiao Tonifying Herbs>: Licorice Root

<Acrid-Cool Exterior-Releasing Herbs>: Vitex Fruit, Kudzu Root, Black Cohosh Rhizome

<Heat-Clearing and Dampness-Drying Herbs>: Phellodendron Bark

<Qi Tonifying Herbs>: Ginseng, Astragalus Root

【Formula Explanation】

From “Yi Fang” (Medical Formulas): This formula addresses the Taiyin, Yangming, Shaoyin, and Jueyin meridians. The clear yang qi of the twelve meridians all ascends to the head and face, passing through the orifices. If the Spleen and Stomach are damaged due to irregular diet or overstrain, and Heart Fire is excessive, then the hundred vessels become agitated, and pathogenic factors harm the orifices. (1) Ginseng and Astragalus Root: Sweet and warm, they tonify the Spleen and Stomach. (2) Licorice Root: Sweet and mild, it harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach. (3) Kudzu Root, Black Cohosh Rhizome, and Vitex Fruit: Light and ascending yang, they enter the Yangming meridian, invigorate Stomach qi, and ascend to the head and eyes. When Middle Qi is sufficient, the nine orifices become clear, improving hearing and vision. (4) White Peony Root: Astringes yin and harmonizes blood; Phellodendron Bark: Tonifies the Kidneys and generates water. As the eyes are the orifices of the Liver and the ears are the orifices of the Kidneys, these two herbs are also used to regulate the Liver and nourish the Kidneys.

 【Functions】

Benefiting qi and ascending yang, broadening vision.

 【Indications】

(1) Irregular diet, physical overstrain, Spleen and Stomach deficiency. (2) Dizziness due to failure of clear yang to ascend, vertigo, diminished hearing and vision, internal cataracts with tinnitus, or chronic blurry vision, inability to see clearly. (3) Long-term use can greatly enhance spirit, naturally boost original qi, lighten the body and strengthen constitution, sharpen hearing and vision. Prolonged use prevents internal/external cataracts, tinnitus, and deafness. From “Yi Fang”: Blurry vision due to internal cataracts, tinnitus, deafness.

 【Contraindications】

(1) Avoid smoking, strong heat (fire), and sour foods. (2) Avoid greasy, raw, cold, and indigestible foods. (3) Additionally, this formula is contraindicated for eye disorders due to blood deficiency with Liver heat, or for tinnitus and deafness due to damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder.

 【Mnemonic】

<a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction)<a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Kudzu Root湯/’>/’>Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang plus “old man slowly claps” (耆人蔓柏 – a phonetic mnemonic for Astragalus Root, Ginseng, Vitex Fruit, Phellodendron Bark). Yiqi Congming (Benefiting Qi and Sharpening Senses) → naturally boosts original qi, sharpens hearing and vision.

 【Modifications】

(1) For hyperhidrosis in the perineal region, reduce the dosage of Vitex Fruit and add Oyster Shell, Schisandra Berry, and Bupleurum Root to astringe and stop sweating. (2) For dizziness, it is advisable to add Alisma Rhizome and Atractylodes Rhizome to invigorate the Spleen and eliminate dampness. (3) If experiencing vexation and distress or heat, gradually increase Phellodendron Bark; add it during spring and summer, double the dosage during peak summer, and remove it if there is Spleen and Stomach deficiency.