[iv] Chui H F, Lin C C, Yen M H et al 1992 - Izumi S, Ohno N, Kawakita T et al 1997
2. Dong Quai Codonopsis Complex (a.k.a. Ba Zhen Wan –
8 Precious Herbs)
Traditional Use:
This formula contains the herbs found in two other powerful Chinese formulae – ‘Four Nobles’ (Si Jun Zi Wan) and ‘Four Substances’ (Si Wu Tang) therefore blending herbal complexes for both qi and blood.
Ba Zhen Wan is considered to be a general tonic for women (often referred to as ‘women’s precious pills’) and used for treating fatigue, palpitations, irregular and scanty menses and as a recuperative formula for restoring energy after childbirth or periods of prolonged weakness.
Ingredients: Chinese Angelica, codonopsis, white peony, Atractylodes, rehmania, ligusticum and liquorice.
Key Herb: Chinese Angelica (Dang Gui, radix angelica sinensis,‘ ought to return’ mountain celery)
Dong Quai or Chinese angelica root, has remained one of the most popular and relied upon herbs for women, valued worldwide for supporting a healthy female cycle and easing monthly discomforts.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dong Quai is classified as a tonic medicine and often referred to as ‘female ginseng’.
Traditional Uses: In cases of anaemia, to rebuild red blood cells.
Also for the treatment of infertility and degeneration of the reproductive system.
It is included in ‘beauty tonics’ to detoxify skin and treat pigment disorders such as rosacea and vitiligo.
Active Constituents: B.12, folic acid, nicotinamide, biotin, essential oils and polysaccharides.
Contra-indications: Not to be used in cases of breast cancer.
As Dong Quai aids circulation it is not generally recommended in cases where patients are already taking blood thinning pharmaceutical drugs (e.g. warfarin).
Traditionally in China (as with most Chinese Herbs) Dong Quai is rarely used in isolation but combined with other herbs, which support its function e.g. white peony and ligusticum. Commonly used formulae include si wu tang (‘4 treasures’) and ba zhen wan (‘8 precious herbs’).
References: Radiant Health: The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs Ron Teeguarden. Warner Books. New York 1998
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2003.
Monograph Dang Gui Root Qu-bing.M. et al (1991)
Advances in the Pharmacological Studies of Radix Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Chinese Danggui). Chinese Med J. 104(9): 776-781. Zao, K. et al. 2003
3. Ginseng Astragalus Formula
(Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan - ‘Tonify Centre to Invigorate Qi Pills’)
A primary strengthening herbal compound used by traditional herbalists throughout The Orient. This formula is designed to pick up ‘sagging qi’ (including such symptoms as low energy, poor digestion, diarrhoea and prolapse) and is useful for long-term deficiency syndrome such as malnutrition and wasting disorders.
Traditional Uses: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan is a classical formula for tonifying stomach and spleen qi, invigorating liver qi and raising yang.
It was originally used to treat prolapse of organs (including prolapse of rectum, uterus, and colon and such conditions as varicose veins, haemorrhoids and hernia). This formula is also useful for uterine bleeding and habitual miscarriage.
Ingredients: Ginseng (ren shen), astragalus, Licorice, Chinese angelica, cimicifuga, Codonopsis, Atractylodes, citrus peel, bupleurum, jujube dates and ginger root.
Acknowledgements: Guide to Planetary Formulas – Michael Tierra 1997
Key Ingredient: PANAX GINSENG
Panax (ren shen) is a deciduous perennial herb whose fleshy ‘man shaped’ root is best used medicinally on the 6th or 7th year of maturity. The most highly esteemed roots, found growing wild in remote parts of Manchuria, may value up to several thousand dollars per mature root.
Ginseng has been known in China for at least 2,000 years; written records of its use go back to circa 100 C.E.
Panax was reported in “The Classic of the Divine Farmer” as: - a herb to … ‘quiet the essence spirit’ 1. … eliminate evil qi 2.…brighten the eyes … open the heart … and prolong life’.
Traditionally Panax Ginseng is classified as a spleen 3. tonic with a slightly cold energy (although steam processing the root to produce ‘red ginseng’ lends it a warmer energy). Panax is said to tonify both Yin and Yang 4. and be of benefit in all cases of deficiency.
It is from the Latin word for ginseng (Panax) that we have the word ‘ panacea’ or ‘cure all’.
Ginseng is an Adaptogenic*herb, which means that it has its use as a self balanced stimulant / sedative - not only does ginseng assist in promoting endurance, it also has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, enabling the user to function under pressure.
In modern herbal medicine Panax is used as a Qi 5.tonic, particularly for the digestive system, to stimulate the appetite and correct ‘prolapse’, to calm the mind and ‘clear perception’.
Scientists (in their need to break things down into component parts) have isolated certain saponins in Chinese ginseng, known as ‘ginsenosides’, which are thought to have tonic properties; together with polysaccharides known to enhance immune function. It is generally felt that the ‘active ingredients’ in ginseng are more prevalent in the outer bark and the root-tails of the herb itself, and become more concentrated by steam processing.
Author’s Note: I feel it is important to add that isolating ‘active ingredients’ tends to lead to the conversion of harmless herbs to potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals, giving herbal medicine a bad name. Not only do herbs contain ingredients which can be described as ‘medicinal’ - they also contain ‘buffers’ which cushion the effect of the more ‘active’ ingredients, making them safer and more ‘holistic’ by nature.
In the same way it must be said that ginseng would rarely be used in isolation in Chinese Medicine, but would be the ‘Emperor Herb’ of a formula also including herbs to support, harmonise and direct its function.
1. Essence Spirit (jingshen) loosely refers to the mind.
2. Evil Qi refers to the negative environmental factors involved in the cause of disease.
3. Spleen in Chinese medicine refers to a major energetic function and id not to be confused with the western concept of spleen as a relatively insignificant organ.
4. Yin and Yang refer to the polarities of Chinese philosophy, Yin being more internal and relating to substance, Yang being more expressed and relating to energy.
5. Qi – a term used to describe energy.
*Adaptogen – a substance that helps the system maintain or regain homeostatic balance.
REFERENCES
Yang SZ. translator. The Divine Farmers Materia Medica. Blue Poppy Press 1998
Tierra M. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press 1988
Dharmananda S. Panax Ginseng – Bulletin of the Oriental Healing Arts Institute 1983
4. Rehmannia Six
Historical Antecedents: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan – 6 Flavour Rehmannia Pill, Ming Mu Di Huang Wan – Bright Eyes Shining Pill – Er Ming Zuo Ci Wan – Ear Ringing Left Loving Pill.
Rehmannia Six is a slightly modified version of at least three classical yin nourishing formulas from Chinese medicine (see above).
This formula is ideal for people who constantly over extend themselves and become exhausted due to irregular or skipped meals and insufficient rest.
Simple Assessment Guide: (any three of the following) – A person who is thin, dry, wasted, with insomnia, low back pain or weakness, night sweats, high blood pressure, diabetes, eye disorders, tinnitus.
Traditional Use: Classical approach to nourishing kidney, liver and spleen yin, including such symptoms as empty heat with night sweats and dizziness, heat in palm of hands and soles of feet, ringing in ears, glaucoma, impotence and diabetes.
Safety: This formula can be used long term, but caution should be taken in cases of extreme dampness and poor digestion.
Key Herb: Rehmannia
(Sheng Di Huang – Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa – Raw Rehmannia – Chinese Foxglove)
The herb Rehmannia can be used either in its raw state (Sheng di huang) or processed in wine (Shu di huang). Sheng di is probably more suitable for yin deficiency as it is cooler in action, making it useful in cases of rising fire symptoms such as thirst, mouth sores, irritability or low grade fever.
Organ meridians affected: Heart, Liver, Kidney.
Properties: Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, cardiotonic, diuretic.
Actions & indications: Clears heat, cools blood – for warm, febrile disorders with red tongue.
Research: 41 out of 50 cases of hepatitis showed significant progress after 10 days of treatment using raw rehmannia and liquorice; results included reduction in size of liver and spleen plus improvement in liver function tests.
All patients in a rheumatology trial using raw rehmannia found marked reduction in joint pain and swelling.
References:
Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica (revised edition) – compiled and translated by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble with Ted Kaptchuk. P.69 – Eastland Press. 1993.
The Way of Chinese Herbs – Michael Tierra L.Ac.,O.M.D. p.72 – Pocket Books 1998.
This article was edited and compiled by John E Smith B.A. (Hons) M:URHP Dip C.H.
DISCLAIMER: The information given above is not intended as an alternative to the advice of a qualified health practitioner.
For further information on above or other Planetary Herbals contact the author
jesmithbodytonix@aol.com
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