Formula Formulas that regulate Blood

Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang

身痛逐瘀汤

Also known as:

Drive Out Stasis from a Painful Body Decoction

Formula Composition

Tao Ren
Tao Ren
Hong Hua
Hong Hua
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Niu Xi
Chuan Niu Xi
Qin Jiao
Qin Jiao
Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo
Di Long
Di Long
Mo Yao
Mo Yao
Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Invigorates Blood
  2. Unblocks painful obstruction
  3. Relieves pain
  4. Invigorate Qi
  5. Dispels Blood Stagnation
  6. Unblock Channels

Patterns Treated

Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles, Qi And Blood Stagnation

Historical Origin

Correction of Errors among Physicians (1830)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang

Main Actions

Invigorates Blood
Unblocks painful obstruction
Relieves pain
Invigorate Qi
Dispels Blood Stagnation
Unblock Channels

Key TCM Concepts

Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is a 12-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), Safflowers (Hong Hua) and Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1830, it belongs to the category of formulas that regulate Blood. Its main actions are: 1) invigorates Blood and 2) unblocks painful obstruction.

 

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 Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles or Qi And Blood Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as muscle cramps, arthralgia or rheumatoid arthritis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation

Common Applications

Muscle cramps Arthralgia Rheumatoid arthritis Lumbago Arthritis Carpal tunnel syndrome Lateral epicondylitis Epitrochleitis Scapulohumeral periarthritis Sciatica Neuralgia Hyperosteogeny Allergic purpura Tennis elbow Osteoporosis Peripheral neuropathy

Ingredients in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Tao Ren
Tao Ren

Peach kernels

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Large Intestine, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe seed
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Tao Ren's main actions are as follows: "Moves Blood and breaks up Stasis. Moistens the Intestines. Relieves coughing."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and eliminates Blood Stagnation, especially in the upper part of the body.
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Hong Hua
Hong Hua

Safflowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried flower
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Hong Hua's main actions are as follows: "Moves Stagnant Blood and regulates menses. Relieves pain caused by Blood Stasis."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and eliminates Blood Stagnation, especially in the upper part of the body.
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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 Tong 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 Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates the Blood and eliminates Blood Stagnation, especially in the upper part of the body.
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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 Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Dang Gui invigorate the Blood. However, its focus more on the lower part of the body. It also nourishes the Blood.
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Chuan Niu Xi
Chuan Niu Xi

Cyathula roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Chuan Niu Xi invigorates the Blood circulation by eliminating Stagnation. It has a descending nature that conducts the Blood downward. It also unblocks Channels by removing the painful obstruction. It also remove the stiffness of the joints.
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Qin Jiao
Qin Jiao

Gentian roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Qin Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Clears either acute or chronic, Cold or Hot Wind-Damp conditions. Clears Heat from Yin Deficiency. Lubricates the Intestines and promotes bowel movements."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it expels Wind Damp.
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Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo

Notopterygium roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Kidneys
Parts Used Dried rhizome and root
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Qiang Huo's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold and Dampness. Relieves Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction. Directs Qi to the Greater Yang (Tai Yang) channel and the Governing Vessel."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it expels Wind Damp.
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Di Long
Di Long

Earthworms

Temperature Cold
Taste Salty
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried body of the worm
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Di Long's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms Internal Liver Wind. Soothes asthma. Opens the channels."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it unblocks Channels by removing the painful obstruction. It also remove the stiffness of the joints.
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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 Shen Tong 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 Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood and Qi so as to stop pain.
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Wu Ling Zhi
Wu Ling Zhi

Flying squirrel faeces

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver
Parts Used Dried faeces
Role in Shen Tong 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 Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood and Qi so as to stop pain.
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it invigorates Blood and Qi so as to stop pain.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, it is used because it regulates and harmonizes all ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases that involve excessive menstrual bleeding. Contraindicated for people with a weak constitution or who are debilitated. Contraindicated in cases with bleeding diathesis or any active hemorrhagic disorder.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shen Tong 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.