Chinese: 参芪四物汤
Pinyin: Cān Qí Sì Wù Tāng
Other names: Ginseng Milkvetch Four Substances Decoction
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Formula category: Formulas that tonify Blood
Mother formula: Si Wu Tang
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
- Tonifies Qi
Contraindications: Contraindicated for treating acute, severe Blood loss or other issues of Blood... Contraindicated for treating acute, severe Blood loss or other issues of Blood Deficiency characterized by severe weakness and labored breathing. see more
Source date: 846 AD
Source book: Secret Formulas to Manage Trauma and Reconnect Fractures Received from an Immortal
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
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.
The six ingredients in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
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.
1. Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang)
Part used: Prepared dried root tuber
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: KidneyLiver
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Shu Di huang has a very strong tonifying effect on the Liver and Kidneys and is said to nourish the Yin of the Blood.
Bai Shao 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.
2. White Peony Roots (Bai Shao)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Neutral
Meridian affinity: LiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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.
Dang Gui is a deputy ingredient in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
3. Dong Quai (Dang Gui)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLiverSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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.
Chuan Xiong is a deputy ingredient in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
4. Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong)
Part used: Dried rhizome
Nature: Warm
Taste(s): Pungent
Meridian affinity: GallbladderLiverPericardium
Category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chuan Xiong facilitates the flow of Blood through the vessels, alleviates symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision and pain.
Ren Shen is an assistant ingredient in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
5. Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Part used: Dried root
Nature: Warm
Meridian affinity: HeartLungSpleen
Category: Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
Huang Qi is an assistant ingredient in Shen Qi Si Wu Tang. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
6. Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi)
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.
Conditions and patterns for which Shen Qi Si Wu Tang may be prescribed
The Heart is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Heart in Chinese Medicine
Heart Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Pale
Tongue shape: Thin
Symptoms: Anxiety Fatigue Insomnia Dizziness Pale face Pale lips Poor memory Tearfulness Palpitations Restlessness Easily scared Loss of libido Excessive dreams Feeling of guilt Dream disturbed sleep
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Heart Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as easily scared, excessive dreams, palpitations and insomnia. Patients with Heart Blood Deficiency typically exhibit choppy (Se) or fine (Xi) pulses as well as Pale thin and slightly dry tongue .
This pattern is manifested by a pale face, pale lips and a pale tongue due to lack of Blood supply. Heart Blood Deficiency may eventually cause Heart Yin Deficiency because Blood is a Yin element. Dizziness is also a symptom because not sufficient Blood is able to nourish the Brain.
The Pericardium is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine
Pericardium Blood Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Symptoms: Anxiety Insomnia Dizziness Pale lips Chest pain Cold hands Amenorrhea Poor memory Palpitations Easily scared Chest fullness Scanty periods Pale complexion Chest discomfort Shortness of breath Dream disturbed sleep
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang is sometimes prescribed by TCM practitioners to treat Pericardium Blood Deficiency. This pattern leads to symptoms such as chest fullness, chest discomfort, chest pain and palpitations. Patients with Pericardium Blood Deficiency typically exhibit choppy (Se) or fine (Xi) pulses.
Pericardium is the guard of the Heart and it is the first layer of defense to be attacked in case of any pathologic influences. Therefore, it is more sensitive than the Heart.
The Mind resides in both the Heart and the Pericardium. When Blood Deficiency occurs in both Organs, the Mind loses its... read more about Pericardium Blood Deficiency
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