Sì Wù Tāng
Sì Wù Tāng (四物汤, “Four Substances Decoction”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Nourishes and regulates the Blood.
Main action
Nourishes and regulates the Blood
The mother blood nutrition formula in TCM. Together with Si Jun Zi Tang, he forms the two fundamental pillars. Its elegance lies in four herbs that simultaneously nourish and move.
Indications
- Paleness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Irregular menstruation
- mild dysmenorrhea
- Insomnia due to blood deficiency
- Skin dryness
- Tongue
- pale
- Pulse
- Fine and weak or fine and rough
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shú Dì Huáng 熟地黄 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Nourishes Blood, tonifies Kidney Yin |
| Dāng Guī 当归 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Blood, moves Blood, regulates menstruation |
| Bái Sháo 白芍 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Blood, calms Liver, relieves spasms |
| Chuān Xiōng 川芎 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Moves Qi and Blood, prevents stagnation of tonics |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil 30 min, take 2 times/day. The pillar of Blood nutrition in TCM
Classical modifications
Add: Ren Shen (人参) 9g, Bai Zhu (白术) 9g, Fu Ling (茯苓) 9g → Ba Zhen Tang (八珍汤)
Current uses being studied
- Iron deficiency anemia
- deficiency amenorrhea
- Postpartum
- Dry skin and premature aging
- Deficiency alopecia
Precautions
- Do not use in pure stagnation without deficiency
- Shu Di Huang can be heavy on the Spleen: add Sha Ren
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 四物汤
- English name
- Four Substances Decoction
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- Category
- Move the Blood
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
