the Symptoms Treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs

Pharmacological effects

Recently, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who prescribed a formula containing Poria, Atractylodes, American Ginseng, Licorice, Astragalus, Chuanxiong, Kudzu Root, Raw Rehmannia, Tianmen Dong, Wheat Grass, Sour Jujube Seed, Codonopsis, Salvia, Polygala, Amomum, Saussurea, Gastrodia, and Angelica Dahurica.
What symptoms is this intended to address?

Xiao Ling, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/12/02

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Xiaoling,
I hope this letter finds you well! I am very pleased to receive your correspondence.
The prescription includes Poria, Atractylodes, American ginseng, Licorice, Astragalus, Chuanxiong, Kudzu root, Rehmannia, Asparagus, Ophiopogon, Sour Jujube Seed, Codonopsis, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Polygala, Amomum, Saussurea, Gastrodia, and Angelica dahurica.
This is a formula for treating both Qi and Yin deficiency.
Poria, Atractylodes, American ginseng, and Licorice are the Four Gentlemen Decoction, which has a Qi-tonifying effect.
Rehmannia, Asparagus, Ophiopogon, and Codonopsis have Yin-nourishing properties, while the other herbs help to tonify Qi, calm the mind, invigorate blood circulation, regulate the spleen and stomach, and clear the mind.
Symptoms of Qi and Yin deficiency include fatigue, shortness of breath with spontaneous sweating, physical weakness with reluctance to speak, dry cough with little phlegm, dry throat and thirst, a red tongue with little coating, and a weak, thin pulse.
This prescription also addresses other symptoms such as dizziness, insomnia, poor gastrointestinal function, memory enhancement, and neck stiffness.
Thank you for your letter.
Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Yen Sumei
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2008/12/02

More Info

The herbal formula you received, which includes ingredients such as Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Yangshen (Codonopsis), Gancao (Licorice), Huangqi (Astragalus), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), Gegeng (Kudzu), Shengdi (Rehmannia), Tianmendong (Asparagus), Maimendong (Ophiopogon), Suanzaoren (Sour Jujube Seed), Yuanshen (Chinese Senega), Danshen (Salvia), Yuanzhi (Polygala), Sharen (Cardamom), Muxiang (Aucklandia), Tianma (Gastrodia), and Baizhi (Angelica), is a complex formula that targets multiple symptoms and conditions.

Understanding the Symptoms Treated by This Herbal Formula
1. Spleen and Qi Deficiency: Ingredients like Baizhu and Yangshen are known for their ability to tonify the spleen and boost Qi (vital energy). This is particularly useful for individuals who experience fatigue, poor appetite, and digestive issues.

2. Nourishing Blood: Herbs such as Shengdi and Danshen are often used to nourish the blood and promote circulation. This can be beneficial for symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and menstrual irregularities.

3. Calming the Mind: Suanzaoren and Yuanzhi are traditionally used to calm the mind and alleviate insomnia or anxiety. If you have trouble sleeping or experience excessive worry, these herbs can help soothe your nervous system.

4. Promoting Fluid Production: Tianmendong and Maimendong are known for their ability to generate fluids and alleviate dryness. This can be particularly helpful for individuals suffering from dry cough, dry throat, or skin issues related to dryness.

5. Headache and Migraines: Chuanxiong and Tianma are commonly used in TCM to treat headaches and migraines. They help in promoting blood circulation and alleviating pain.

6. Digestive Health: Fuling and Muxiang are beneficial for digestive health. They can help reduce bloating, improve digestion, and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.

7. Strengthening the Immune System: Huangqi is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It helps in enhancing the body's resistance to illness and can be particularly useful during cold and flu seasons.

Conclusion
In summary, the herbal formula you received is likely aimed at addressing a combination of symptoms related to Qi and blood deficiency, digestive issues, insomnia, and possibly headaches. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes a holistic approach, and the combination of these herbs is designed to work synergistically to restore balance within the body.

It is essential to consult with your TCM practitioner about your specific symptoms and health conditions, as they can provide personalized guidance and adjustments to the formula based on your unique constitution and needs. Additionally, TCM often involves lifestyle and dietary recommendations alongside herbal treatments, so be sure to discuss these aspects as well for a comprehensive approach to your health.

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