Formula Blood Deficiency

Shēng Bái Wán

升白丸

Also known as:

Increase White Cell pill

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies the Kidneys and Spleen
  2. Supplements marrow
  3. Nourishes Blood
  4. Supports immunity

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shēng Bái Wán

Main Actions

Tonifies the Kidneys and Spleen
Supplements marrow
Nourishes Blood
Supports immunity

Key TCM Concepts

The name "Sheng Bai" (升白) literally means "Raise White [Blood Cells]" - this directly indicates its primary clinical purpose.

This modern formula was specifically developed for:

Cause Context
Chemotherapy-induced Most common use - supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment
Radiation therapy-induced Bone marrow suppression from radiotherapy
Drug-induced Certain medications that suppress bone marrow
Idiopathic Unexplained low WBC counts
Chronic illness-related

Long-term disease causing marrow exhaustion

Important Clinical Notes

  1. Not a cancer treatment itself - supportive therapy only
  2. Requires monitoring - WBC counts should be tracked
  3. Works best with pattern match - most effective when Spleen/Kidney deficiency signs are present
  4. Long-term formula - designed for extended use during treatment periods
  5. Integrative approach - used alongside conventional oncology care in Chinese hospitals

TCM Patterns Addressed

Common Applications

Chemotherapy side effects Radiation therapy side effects Low WBC counts Bone marrow suppression Anemia Thrombocytopenia Pancytopenia Myelodysplastic syndromes Pale complexion Fatigue Dizziness Poor appetite Short of breath Spontaneous sweating Frequent infections due to poor immunitiy Cold limbs Sore lower back Sore knees Prolonged recovery Post-surgical recovery

Ingredients in Shēng Bái Wán

Detailed information about each herb in Shēng Bái Wán and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Huang Qi powerfully tonifies Spleen Qi, raises Yang, strengthens Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and promotes blood production. It forms the backbone of the formula's immunomodulating effect
Tai Zi Shen
Tai Zi Shen

Crown prince ginseng

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and Rhizome
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Tai Zi Shen gentle tonifies Qi that also generates Body Fluids. It also supports Spleen and Lung Qi without being too warming, which is ideal for patients weakened by chemo/radiation who may have some Yin Deficiency.
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Bai Zhu fonifies Spleen Qi by drying Dampness. It enhances the Qi-tonifying action while preventing Dampness accumulation from the tonics.
Shan Yao
Shan Yao

Yam

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Shan Yao tonifies Spleen, Lung and Kidney simultaneously.
He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu

Fleeceflower roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried prepared root
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
He Shou Wu nourishes Liver and Kidney, supplements Jing (Essence) which generates marrow and blood.
Huang Jing
Huang Jing

King solomon's seal roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Huang Jing has dual action: tonifies Spleen Qi while nourishing Kidney Yin/Essence - directly supports marrow production.
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Dang Gui nourishes and invigorates Blood, ensuring new Blood is properly circulated.
Gou Qi Zi
Gou Qi Zi

Goji berries

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Gou Qi Zi nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, benefits Essence and Blood.
Nu Zhen Zi
Nu Zhen Zi

Glossy privet fruits

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried fruit
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Nu Zhen Zi nourishes Liver andKidney Yin. It pairs with Gou Qi Zi (like in Er Zhi Wan) to strengthen Yin.
Ji Xue Teng
Ji Xue Teng

Spatholobus stems

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Roots, vines or stems
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Ji Xue Teng invigorates and tonifies Blood. It ensures blood moves freely while being supplemented; particularly good for bone marrow support.
San Qi
San Qi

Tienchi ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Stomach, Liver
Parts Used Dried roots
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
San Qi has dual action: stops bleeding while transforming stasi, protects against bleeding while ensuring no stagnation develops from all the tonics
Zhi Mu
Zhi Mu

Anemarrhena rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Zhi Mu clears Empty Heat by nourishing Yin. It also prevents the warm Qi tonics from generating Heat.
Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Chen Pi (Chao) regulates Qi and prevents Qi stagnation. It is essential for ensuring the heavy, cloying tonics don't cause digestive stagnation
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Ban Xia rransforms Phlegm and harmonizes Stomach. It works with Chen Pi to protect digestive function and prevent Dampness from accumulating.
Shi Wei
Shi Wei

Pyrrosia leaves

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried leaves
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Shi Wei clears Heat from the Lower Burner through urination. It provides an outlet for any heat or dampness generated, guides the formula's action toward the Kidney system.
Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Shēng Bái Wán
Da Zao harmonizes the formula, tonifies Spleen Qi and nourishes Blood. It is the classic harmonizer that moderates other herbs and protects the Stomach.

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shēng Bái Wán

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

Contraindications

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution. Contraindications: Acute infections or fever Strong heat signs Significant phlegm-dampness Qi/Blood stagnation Acute digestive issues Pregnancy (caution) Wheat/gluten allergy Key rule: Don't use when Excess pathogens are present - clear them first, then tonify. As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Shēng Bái Wán may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.