XUE FU ZHU YU TANG (BP034) Persica & Cnidum Combination Complex

Indication

This formula was devised by Wang Qing-ren (a.k.a. Wang Xun-chen) and recorded in his ‘Correction of Errors among Physicians’ (yi lin gai cuo), published in 1830. Wang was a 19th Century physician who amongst other ‘innovations’ insisted on updating the traditional concepts of the Zang-fu in line with the observable anatomical features of the physical organs.

To add a twist of irony to the title of his book, this formula was originally developed due to an error made by Wang, who in the course of his anatomical investigations consistently found coagulated blood above the diaphragm. Due to the prohibition against human dissection, he was restricted to the observation of disinterred corpses and public executions where the sentence included disembowelment. Unfortunately he didn’t realise that this observation was due to an artefact caused by the methods that he was forced to adopt in order to observe human viscera.

His misguided notions in this area have proved to be fortuitous for subsequent TCM practitioners because he described a theoretical syndrome of ‘Blood stasis in the chest (xue fu)’ and developed Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Formula to drive out [Blood] stasis in the Chest) to treat it. The formula is a variant of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Persica, Carthamus and Dang-gui combination BP061) which activates the Blood and dispels stasis as well as nourishes the Blood.

This is complemented with ingredients that soothe the Liver and regulate the Qi as well as several herbs that act as ‘envoys’ to direct the formula’s actions to each component of the Triple Jiao. Thus it is useful clinically for a broad range of conditions due to Blood stasis in any part of the body. In addition, it is a useful foundation treatment for elderly patients because Blood stasis is one of the pathodynamics of ageing.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

Angelica root (dang-gui), Paeonia root (chi shao), Rehmannia root (sheng di huang), Ligusticum root (chuan xiong), Prunus seed (tao ren), Carthamus flower (hong hua): nourishes the Blood, activates the Blood and dispels stasis.

Bupleurum root (chai hu) Angelica root (dang-gui), Paeonia root (chi shao), Ligusticum root (chuan xiong): disperse stagnant Liver Qi and promote the Liver’s function of ensuring that the Qi flows smoothly throughout the body. This ensures normal Blood movement because the Qi leads the Blood.

Platycodon root (jie geng): directs the actions of the formula to the upper Jiao.

Citrus fruit (zhi ke): directs the actions of the formula to the middle Jiao.

Achyranthes root (huai niu xi): directs the actions of the formula to the lower Jiao.

Glycyrrhiza root (gan cao): harmonises the formula and protects the Stomach.

Indications:

Coronary artery disease

Angina pectoris

Migraine or chronic headaches

Rheumatic heart disease

Intercostal neuralgia

Costochondritis

Post concussion syndrome

Trigeminal neuralgia

Depressed mood

Psychosis

Geriatric disorders

Chronic nonhealing ulcers

Thrombangiitis obliterans

Hepatic cirrhosis

Signs & Symptoms:

Pain that is fixed in location and boring or stabbing in character

Fixed abdominal mass (or masses)

Uterine bleeding with dark blood that contains clots

Dark complexion

Depressed mood

Palpitations

Insomnia

Mood swings

Tidal fever

Dark or purple tongue that may have dark or purple spots

Choppy or wiry pulse

Combinations –

Angina pectoris:

BLOOD MOVING Formula

CARDIAC Formula

BLOOD MOVING 2 Formula

Cardiovascular disease:

YU PING FENG SAN

HUO LUO XIAO LING DAN

Cholesterol, elevated blood levels:

YIN CHEN HAO WAN (Jia Wei)

Emphysema:

YU PING FENG SAN

BLOOD MOVING Formula

DEFENCE PLUS Formula

Emphysema with Lung Yin deficiency:

YANG YIN QING FEI TANG

Gout, severe pain:

HUO LUO XIAO LING DAN

Hypertension, Blood stasis and Yin deficiency:

ZUO GUI WAN

Hypothyroid with Blood stasis, aches and pains:

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

YOU GUI WAN

Impotence, low libido:

BU ZHONG YI QI WAN

QI BAO MEI RAN DAN (Jia Wei)

Inflammatory skin disorders, chronic or recurring:

LONG DAN XIE GAN TANG

Clear the Skin Formula

ANTI-INFLAMM. Formula

ACUTE ECZEMA Formula

Meniere’s disease, vestibular vertigo:

WEN DAN TANG

TAO HONG SI WU WAN

WU LING SAN

Migraine or chronic headaches:

PING GAN XI FENG TOU TONG WAN

Neck arthritis:

HUO LUO XIAO LING DAN

NEI XIAO LUO LI WAN

TAO HONG SI WU WAN

Psoriasis, chronic stage:

XIAO FENG SAN

SI MIAO YONG AN WAN (Jia Wei)

Psychosis:

ZHI YIN GAN LU YIN

Rheumatoid arthritis with swollen joints, not responsive to treatment:

NEI XIAO LUO LI WAN

ZHUANG YANG YI JING WAN

TCM Syndromes: Blood stasis.

TCM Actions: Activates the Blood and dispels stasis, alleviates pain.