Formulas that nourish the heart & comfort shen (1/19/21, class 3)

Question 1

Suan Zao Ren Tang

“Sour jujube decoction”

Answer 1

Ingredients:
Suan Zao Ren (15-30g), Fu Ling (6g), Zhi Mu (6-9g), Chuan Xiong (6g), Gan Cao (3g)
Functions:
Nourishes the blood, calms shen, clears heat and eliminates irritability.
Indications:
LV blood deficiency insomnia syndrome
Palpitations, insomnia, irritability, inability to sleep, night sweats, dizziness, vertigo and dry throat and mouth.
Tongue: dry, red
Pulse: wiry or thin, rapid pulse
Clinical applications:
1. Used for insomnia with restless and irritability caused by LV blood xu and deficiency fire.
2. Currently used for neurosis, menopause syndromes, insomnia, nervous exhaustion and depression.
C/C:
Loose stool

Question 2

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

Emperor of heaven’s special pill to tonify the HT”

Answer 2

Ingredients:
Sheng Di (12g), Tian Men Dong (9g), Mai Men Dong (9g), Xuan Shen (5g), Dan Shen (5g), Dang Gui (9g),
Ren Shen (5g), Fu Ling (5g), Bai Zi Ren (9g), Yuan Zhi (5g), Wu Wei Zi (5g), Suan Zao Ren (9g), Zhu Sha (5g),
Jie Geng (5g)
Functions:
Enriches the yin, nourishes the blood, tonifies the HT, calms the shen, and clear heat.
Indications:
Yin and blood deficiency of the HT & KD with deficient fire syndrome.
Palpitations, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, nocturnal emission, forgetfulness, heat sensation in palms and soles, sores and ulcers in the mouth and tongue, low grade fever, night sweats or dry stools.
Tongue: red little coating
Pulse: thin, rapid
Clinical applications:
1. Treats yin & blood deficiency leading to restless state of mind which is viewed as HT & KD failing to properly communicate.
2. Used for neurosis, dementia praecox, cardiac diseases and hyperthyroidism.
Modifications:
For severe insomnia -> add Long Gu, Ci Shi
C/C:
SP &ST deficiency, should not be taken for a long period of time.

Question 3

Huang Lian E Jiao Tang

“Coptis and ass-hid gelatin decoction”

Answer 3

Ingredients:
Huang Lian (12g), E Jiao (9g), Huang Qin (6g), Bai Shao (6g), Ji Zi Huang (2 yolks)
Functions:
Nourishes yin, descends fire, moist dryness and calm the spirit
Indications:
Heat transformation pattern in Shao Yin stage
Irritability with a sensation of heat in the chest, insomnia, palpitations with anxiety, sores on the mouth or tongue.
Tongue: red, dry, yellow coating
Pulse: thin, rapid
Clinical applications:
1. Used for nourishing yin, clear heat to treat excess and blood deficiency whose symptoms manifests in HT shao-yin stage.
2. Used for nervous exhaustion,, the recuperative stage of an infectious disease, autonomic dystomia, erectile dysfunction, hypertension.
Modifications:
Severe yin xu with injured fluids and dry throat -> add Xuan Shen, Mai Dong, Shi Hu
Heat in five centers -> add Zhi Zi,, Dan Zhu Ye

Question 4

Gan Mai Da Zao Tang

Licorice, wheat, jujube decoction

Answer 4

Ingredients:
Fu Xiao Mai (15-30g), Gan Cao (9g), Da Zao (5 pcs)
Function:
Tonifies the HT, calms the shen, harmonizes MJ, and moderates anxiety.
Indications:
Restless organ disorder (Zang Zao syndrome)
Disorientation, frequent attacks of melancholy and crying spells, inability to control oneself, frequent yawning; the behavior and speech become abnormal.
Tongue: red, little coating
Pulse: thin, rapid
Clinical applications:
1. Used to nourish HT yin, settle ethereal and corporeal souls, tonify SP.
2. Used for hysteria, neurosis, menopausal syndrome, anxiety, schizophrenia, sleep walking, autonomic dystonia and enuresis.
Modifications:
For severe yin xu with irritability & insomnia -> add Sheng Di and Bai He
For LV blood xu with dizziness -> add Suan Zao Ren, Dang Gui