Formula Formulas that tonify Blood

Shen Qi Si Wu Tang

参芪四物汤

Also known as:

Ginseng Milkvetch Four Substances Decoction

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Huang Qi
Huang Qi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Restores and nourishes Blood
  2. Stimulates Blood circulation
  3. Tonifies Qi

Patterns Treated

Heart Blood Deficiency, Pericardium Blood Deficiency

Historical Origin

Secret Formulas to Manage Trauma and Reconnect Fractures Received from an Immortal (846 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shen Qi Si Wu Tang

Main Actions

Restores and nourishes Blood
Stimulates Blood circulation
Tonifies Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Shen Qi Si Wu Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) and White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 846 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Blood. Its main actions are: 1) restores and nourishes Blood and 2) stimulates Blood circulation.

 

On this page, after a detailed description of each of the six ingredients in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Shen Qi Si Wu Tang helps treat.

 

Shu Di huang is a king ingredient in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Blood Deficiency
  • Pericardium Blood Deficiency

Ingredients in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Shu Di huang has a very strong tonifying effect on the Liver and Kidneys and is said to nourish the Yin of the Blood.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Bai Shao helps reduce the muscle spasms caused by Blood Deficiency and it is particularly well-suited to treat abdominal pain. Together with Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), it has a strong tonifying effect on the Blood.
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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 Shen Qi Si Wu 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 Shen Qi Si Wu Tang, it is used because it enters the Liver and Heart to tonify and invigorate the Blood.
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Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Chuan Xiong facilitates the flow of Blood through the vessels, alleviates symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision and pain.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Shen Qi Si Wu Tang, it is used because it tonifies Qi.
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Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
In general Huang Qi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema."

In the context of Shen Qi Si Wu Tang, it is used because it tonifies Qi.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shen Qi Si Wu Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for treating acute, severe Blood loss or other issues of Blood Deficiency characterized by severe weakness and labored breathing.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shen Qi Si Wu 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.