Description
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan promotes circulation of blood and Liver Qi to support a feeling of physical well-being. It is particularly well suited for blood stasis which affects the upper body (above the diaphragm). Blood stasis is a TCM concept used to describe the sluggish nature of blood circulation, similar to still water in a pond, either due to buildup in the walls of vessels or a slower speed of circulation. Blood stasis is often observed in conditions related to poor blood circulation. Chronic blood stasis and Qi stagnation tend to lead to heat and eventually fire, which may result in additional signs such as heart pounding, short temper, poor sleep, or what is known as “5 center heat,” a sensation of heat in the palms, soles of the feet and chest.
The tongue and pulse will reflect the underlying blood and Qi stasis. The tongue may be dark red or dusky and have dark spots, particularly on the sides. The lips may even be purplish. The pulse will be tight and wiry or choppy.
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan effectively regulates the movement of Liver Qi and powerfully dispels blood stasis. Xue Fu Zhu Yu is composed of 11 Chinese herbs. It is essentially a combination of Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder) and Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance with Safflower and Peach Pit Decoction).
The chief herbs of this formula are substances which profoundly invigorate blood: Tao Ren (Peach seed), Hong Hua (Safflower) and Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage root). These herbs improve circulation and relieve discomfort, particularly in the upper body. Deputy herbs Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) and Chi Shao (Red Peony root) also invigorate blood and alleviate discomfort, but their action is strongest in the lower body. Similarly, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) encourages the downward movement of blood. Niu Xi is a potent blood-mover and supports normal menstrual cycles. In such cases, Niu Xi is often combined with Dang Gui and Tao Ren, as it is here.
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae root) cools the blood and clears heat and works with Dang Gui to protect the body’s Yin and nourish the blood. Chai Hu (Bupleurum) is a flag-ship Chinese herb for regulating Liver Qi. Here, it is used in combination with Jie Geng (Platycodon root) and Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange) to relieve constraint in the chest and promote the free movement of Qi, which of course promotes the free movement of blood. The use of Chai Hu (which has an up-bearing nature) with Nui Xi (which has a down-bearing nature) helps this formula to restore proper balance and movement of Qi and blood throughout the body.
Gan Cao (Licorice root) harmonizes the actions of the other 10 herbs.
