Dang Gui & Peony Combination - Dang Gui Shao Yao San

Formula Type

Extract & Concentrate

TCM Pattern

This formula was designed to treat pregnant women whose spleen has been compromised by the taxing of pregnancy and whose blood has been weakened by the need to share nourishment with the fetus. Blood vacuity leaves the liver with lack of nourishment and the liver then invades the spleen to further impair that organ’s functioning leading to a vicious cycle that further weakens the spleen. In later times, the formula has been applied to this same situation regardless of whether or not the patient is pregnant. Note that inhibited urination is an important indication in this pattern as it indicates that the spleen is damaged to the extent that its ability to move fluids is impaired. One way to think of the situation where this formula is appropriate is to understand that it addresses the stagnation of both blood and water that result from the spleen-liver disharmony.

Therapeutic Functions

Nourishes blood, courses the liver, disinhibits damp, fortifies the spleen and quiets the fetus.*

Precautions

Though this formula was originally intended for pregnant women, modern practitioners use it cautiously in that circumstance because it contains the blood-moving herb Chuan Xiong.

Pulse Quality

Slow and soggy

Tongue Appearance

Enlarged, pale and scalloped with a thin, white tongue fur