Augmented Four Substances is a faithful rendition of Four Substance Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang). It is used traditionally to support a healthy condition and flow of Blood, to nourish Blood and to vigorously move both Qi and Blood. In this classical variation, Carthamus flower and dry fried peeled Peach seed were added to enhance the moving qualities of the four original herbs to address stagnation of Blood and Qi. This formula is appropriate for both men and women when the flow of Blood and Qi is impeded. Prepared Rehmannia root and Chinese red peony root are said to be “Blood of the Blood” herbs that are entirely Yin in nature and only nourish the Blood. Prepared Rehmannia root has a very strong tonifying effect on the Liver and Kidneys, and Chinese red peony root tonifies Blood and preserves the Yin. Together they nourish the Blood and support a regular cycle that flows smoothly. The Heart’s Blood is also nourished, helping to relieve occasional feelings of depression, jumpiness, irritability, anxiety, and forgetfulness. Because these two herbs are rich and potentially cloying, herbs that move the Blood balance this formula well. Dong quai root activates the Qi in the Blood, nourishes and moves Blood, moistens the Intestines and harmonizes Liver and Kidney. Sichuan lovage rhizome invigorates Blood and promotes the movement of Qi. Dry fried peeled Peach seed and Carthamus flower, added to the base formula, break up congealed Blood. Combine with Fire the Yang or Arouse Vigor for underlying Spleen Yang deficiency. Combine with Shen Ling Spleen Support or Six Gentlemen for Spleen Qi deficiency. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTThis classical formula is a variation of Si Wu Tang, Four Substances or Soup of Four Things, found in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang) which was compiled during the Song Dynasty between 982 and 992 A.D. Recorded by Dr. Chen Shi-Wen in the classic Song Dynasty 14 (1151 A.D.), Four Substances is Chinese herbology’s basic formula used to tonify the Blood. In the ninth volume of his book, Dr. Chen recommends this herbal formula be used for deficiency to the Penetrating (Chong Mai) and Conception (Ren Mai) Vessels. Four Substance Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang) comes from the Golden Mirror (Yi Zong Ji Jian).
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