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.*

Clinical Indications

This formula can address cramping and abdominal pain as seen in menstrual pain, gastritis, and gastric ulcer when these fall into the category of what Chinese medicine describes as disharmony between the liver and spleen. In addition, the formula is applied to blood pressure irregularities during pregnancy, inflammation of the cervix, vaginal discharge, post-partum abdominal pain and menopausal symptoms such as headache, insomnia, feelings of insecurity and lack of appetite. Lastly, owing to its emphasis on moving water and moving and nourishing blood it is used in modern times to address disorders such as ovarian cysts, water swelling and dizziness.

Symptoms & Signs

Since this formula treats a situation where spleen vacuity and blood vacuity simultaneously exist, in addition to abdominal pain and cramping the patient presents with pale complexion, lack of appetite, inhibited urination, loose stools, bodily heaviness and cold in the lower abdomen. Water swelling and inhibited urination that result from spleen-vacuity stagnation of blood and fluids are also often a part of the clinical picture.

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