Why We Love It
This is a fantastic formula for a lot of people right now because it can help boost the immune system AND help with insomnia. "Immune system" doesn't directly translate to Chinese Medicine, but certain systems and meridians are thought to govern our ability to fight off and recover from illness.
Chinese Medicine Theory
This formula strengthens the Spleen, nourishes the Heart, tonifies Qi and Blood, and stabilizes Shen.
Historically this formula was used for the poor exhausted students with overwhelming loads of work and worries on their mind. Taken into modern times this formula has become a favorite for a wide range of chronic diseases that involve both general lassitude and some neurotic symptoms.
The formula is designed around the mother-child relationship of Heart and Spleen. Both organs are involved in thought processing and mental activity. Exhaustion of the Mother (Heart) affects the Child (Spleen) and vise versa. The Spleen's job is to transform food into the body's yin and the Heart's Blood. The Blood is where the Shen is thought to rest. The Shen is the spirit of the Heart and affects our mind and ability to think straight and get a good night's sleep.
Western Indications
Insomnia - often with one or more of the following: panic attacks, dream disturbed sleep, nightmares, memory loss, lack of concentration, anxiety, fatigue, withdrawal, dizziness, blurred vision, excess perspiration.
Other possible uses: heart palpitations, depression, irregular menstruation, vaginal discharge, Meniere's Disease, MS, chronic allergic rhinitis, diarrhea, gastric ulcer, hair loss, post-concussion syndrome, anemia, neurasthenia, schizophrenia, and Hodgkin's disease.
More Details
This formula is also known as: Restore the Spleen Decoction
Dosage:
8 teapills, 3 times per day
Not for use during pregnancy
Ingredients and actions:
Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome, Baizhu, tonify Spleen qi
Poria cocos sclerotium, Fuling, tonify Spleen qi
Polygala tenuifolia root, Yuanzhi, calm Shen
Dimocarpus longan aril, Langyanrou, nourish Heart Blood
Angelica sinensis root, Dangui, nourish Heart Blood
Codonopsis pilosula root, tonify Sp and Lu qi, nourish fluids
Astragalus membranaceus root, Huangqi, tonify Spleen Qi
Ziziphus jujuba seed, Suanzaoren, Nourish Heart Blood, calm Shen
Aucklandia lappa root, Muxiang, move qi, ensure heavy tonics will not produce stagnation
Ziziphus jujuba fruit, Dazao, Harmonize the center
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, Gancao, Tonify Spleen qi