Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Si Wu Tang (四物湯), ‘Four Substance Decoction’, is the foundational blood tonic. It tonifies and invigorates the blood and regulates menstruation, and is the basis of countless gynaecological formulas.
English Name
Four Substance Decoction
Classical Source
Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang, 1107
Ingredients
- Shu Di Huang (prepared rehmannia) 12g – chief
- Dang Gui (Chinese angelica) 9g – deputy
- Bai Shao (white peony) 9g – assistant
- Chuan Xiong (Sichuan lovage) 6g – assistant/envoy
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies and nourishes the blood
- Invigorates the blood and regulates menstruation
Indications
Blood deficiency (often with some stasis): a pale, lustreless complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and irregular, scanty or painful menstruation.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: pale. Pulse: thin and wiry, or thin and choppy.
Modifications
Add Tao Ren and Hong Hua (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang) for blood stasis; combine with Si Jun Zi Tang (Ba Zhen Tang) for qi and blood deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Cloying; use with caution in Spleen deficiency with poor appetite and loose stools.
