Formula Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

少腹逐瘀汤

Also known as:

Drive Out Stasis from the Lower Abdomen Decoction

Formula Composition

Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo
Mo Yao
Mo Yao
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chi Shao
Chi Shao
Pu Huang
Pu Huang
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
  2. Stops pain
  3. Invigorates Blood
  4. Dispels Blood stagnation

Patterns Treated

Blood Stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold

Historical Origin

Correction of Errors Among Physicians (1830 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Main Actions

Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
Stops pain
Invigorates Blood
Dispels Blood stagnation

Key TCM Concepts

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1830 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation. Its main actions are: 1) expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood and 2) stops pain.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Stagnation, Cold in the Uterus or Qi And Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as scanty menstruation, menstrual cramps or late menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Stagnation
  • Cold in the Uterus
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold

Common Applications

Scanty menstruation Menstrual cramps Late menstruation Absence of menstruation Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease Primary dysmenorrhea Endometriosis Tubal obstructive infertility Uterine fibroids

Ingredients in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang and their roles

Kings
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Chuan Xiong's main actions are as follows: "Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Xiao Hui Xiang
Xiao Hui Xiang

Fennel seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Xiao Hui Xiang's main actions are as follows: "Expels Cold and relieves pain. Regulates Qi of the Stomach."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it warms the Uterus and expels Cold.
View herb details
Gan Jiang
Gan Jiang

Dried ginger

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Gan Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and expels Cold. Restores collapse of Yang and expels Interior Cold. Warms the Lungs and assists expectoration of Cold Phlegm. Stops chronic bleeding caused by Cold."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it warms the Uterus and expels Cold.
View herb details
Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Rou Gui's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and Kidneys and tonifies the Yang. Expels Cold, Warms the meridians, promotes circulation of Qi and Blood and relieves pain. Used with tonics to assist in the generation of Qi and Blood."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it warms the Uterus and expels Cold.
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Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo

Corydalis tubers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried tuber
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Yan Hu Suo's main actions are as follows: "Moves the Blood, breaks Blood Stagnation and reduces associated pain. Regulates Stagnant Qi and reduces associated pain."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stops pain.
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Mo Yao
Mo Yao

Myrrh

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried resin of the tree
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Mo Yao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and relieves Stagnation and pain caused by Blood Stagnation. Assists in wound healing."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood and stops pain.
View herb details
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi

Flying squirrel faeces

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried faeces
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Wu Ling Zhi's main actions are as follows: "Disperses congealed Blood in the lower abdomen and uterus and relieves pain. Promotes childhood nutrition with Cold Stagnation and focal abdominal swelling."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood, eliminates Stagnation and stops pain.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Dang Gui's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation. It also nourishes the Blood and moistens.
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Chi Shao
Chi Shao

Red peony roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Chi Shao's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood, relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cools the Blood and the Liver."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation.
View herb details
Pu Huang
Pu Huang

Cattail pollen

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried pollen
Role in Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
In general Pu Huang's main actions are as follows: "Stops bleeding by Cooling pathogenic Heat. Moves Blood and relieves Blood Stagnation."

In the context of Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood and stops pain.
View herb details

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.