Formula Formulas that tonify Blood

Si Wu Tang

四物汤

Also known as:

Four Substances Decoction , Dang Gui Four Combination

Formula Composition

Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Restores and nourishes Blood
  2. Stimulates Blood circulation

Patterns Treated

Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Deficiency, Cold in the Uterus, Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Deficiency, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Interior Wind, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

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 Si Wu Tang

Main Actions

Restores and nourishes Blood
Stimulates Blood circulation

Key TCM Concepts

Si Wu Tang is a 4-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.

 

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 Si Wu Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation or Liver Blood Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as late menstruation, scanty menstruation or heavy menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Blood Deficiency
  • Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Blood Deficiency
  • Cold in the Uterus
  • Heart Blood Deficiency
  • Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
  • Liver Qi Deficiency
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Interior Wind
  • Qi and Blood Deficiency
  • Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency and Stagnation

Common Applications

Late menstruation Scanty menstruation Heavy menstruation Prolonged periods Low breast milk supply Absence of menstruation Menstrual cramps Irregular menstruation Postpartum weakness

Ingredients in Si Wu Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Shu Di huang
Shu Di huang

Prepared rehmannia

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Prepared dried root tuber
Role in 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.
View herb details
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in 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.
View herb details
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in 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 Si Wu Tang, it is used because it enters the Liver and Heart to tonify and invigorate the Blood.
View herb details
Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong

Szechuan lovage roots

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

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for 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, 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.