bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Ginseng (Radix Ginseng)
6gm (2 liǎng) Pineilia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)
7.5gm (half shēng) Take the twelve ingredients, boil them in one dou of water until three sheng remain, and divide into three doses to be taken warm.
bubble_chart Efficacy
Invigorating blood and resolving stasis, warming meridians and dissipating cold, tonifying qi and nourishing blood.
bubble_chart Indications
Chong and Ren deficiency-cold, pattern of blood stasis obstruction and stagnation. Continuous metrostaxis, menstrual irregularities, either early or late, or prolonged periods, or menstruating twice a month, or cessation of menstruation, accompanied by delayed onset of heat, heat in the palms and heart, lower abdominal rectal urgency, abdominal distension and fullness. Also treats uterine cold in women, long-term infertility.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
This formula originally treats metrostaxis caused by deficiency-cold of the Chong and Ren meridians and internal obstruction of static blood. Later, it became an essential formula for treating menstrual irregularities. Deficiency-cold of the Chong and Ren meridians leads to cold pain in the lower abdomen; dampness turbidity seeping downward results in continuous leukorrhea; internal obstruction of static blood disrupts normal blood circulation, leading to metrostaxis or menstrual irregularities. If static blood is not removed, new blood cannot be generated, and yin fluids fail to nourish, causing dry lips. Yin deficiency fails to store yang, leading to floating deficient yang, resulting in delayed-onset fever and heat in the palms. The syndrome belongs to deficiency-cold of the lower energizer. Therefore, the formula primarily uses Evodia Fruit and Cinnamon Twig to warm and regulate the Chong and Ren meridians, warm the blood, and dispel cold. It is supplemented with Chinese Angelica, Peony Root, Donkey-hide Gelatin, and Ophiopogon Tuber to enrich yin and replenish blood; Sichuan Lovage Rhizome and Moutan Bark assist Cinnamon Twig in activating blood and dispelling stasis; Tangshen, Liquorice Root, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, and Pinellia tonify qi and harmonize the stomach, supporting the source of generation and transformation. The combination of these herbs harmonizes the Chong and Ren meridians, warms and unblocks the meridians and vessels, nourishes blood, and dispels stasis. This allows blood to flow when warmed, removes stasis, and generates new blood. The formula is named "Warming the Meridians Decoction" to reflect this purpose.
bubble_chart Pattern Identification - Menstrual irregularities or metrostaxis persist.
- Accompanied by delayed onset of fever or heat in the palms and vexing heat.
- Lower abdominal cold pain.
- Uterine cold leading to infertility.
- Pulse deep and slow or deep and rough.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- Cold pain in the lower abdomen: add Mugwort, Fennel, Cassia Bark.
- Qi stagnation with abdominal distension and fullness and pain: add Cyperus, Corydalis Tuber.
- Metrostaxis with pale menstrual blood: add Mugwort, Blast-Fried Ginger, black Typha.
- Dark menstrual blood with blood clots: add Salvia, Red Peony Root, Achyranthes Root.
- Qi deficiency: add Astragalus Root.
- Dry mouth and irritability with heat: add Schisandra Fruit, Unprocessed Rehmannia Root yellow.
bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications
Avoid consuming raw, cold, or excessively cooling foods.
bubble_chart Modern Application
Infertility, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic inflammation, habitual late abortion, postmenopausal syndrome, menstrual irregularities, leucorrhea, frostbite disease.