Answer to 2025 1st Quarter “What Herb am I?

ByMicaela Gonzalez

What Herb am I? – Author Amy Watson, MA, VetMB, MRCVS, GDVCHM, CVA, ACVCHM, CCRT

Dr. Amy Watson ©

This formula has an intriguing name in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, known as “Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood/Chest Decoction.” This formula is recognized for its therapeutic effects in treating various conditions related to blood stagnation, particularly in the Upper Jiao, It forms part of a ‘family’ of four herbal formulas which can simplistically be considered to treat conditions in various Jiaos; these include Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang which drives out stasis below the diaphragm (middle Jiao), Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive out stasis in the Lower Abdomen – lower Jiao) and Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang which is also know as Drive out Stasis in a Painful Body and can be used to treat Qi and Blood Stagnation with painful obstructions of the whole body. All are used regularly in TCVM.

The formula consists of a blend of several herbs, each contributing its unique properties to the overall efficacy of the decoction.

  • Tao Ren (Persicae Semen): Known for its ability to invigorate blood and dispel stasis..
  • Hong Hua (Carthami Flos): Works synergistically with Tao Ren to enhance blood circulation.
  • Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix): Nourishes the blood and promotes its circulation.
  • Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma): Recognised for its warming properties that invigorate blood flow.
  • Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra): Provides cooling effects and assists in blood movement.
  • Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix): Cools the blood and nourishes Yin.
  • Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus): Regulates Qi and harmonises the middle.
  • Chai Hu (Bupleuri radix): Enchances peripheral circulation and clear Heat present from longstanding stasis.
  • Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma): Harmonises the other herbs within the formula.
  • Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix) and Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix): These are added to guide the formula to the upper and lower body respectively, promoting movement throughout.

Three of these herbs, Tao Ren, Hong Hua and Chuan Xiong, All invigorate Blood in the chest, whereas three other herbs, Dang Gui, Chi Shao and Chuan Liu Xi, all invigorate Blood in the lower Jiao. Further Zhi Ke and Jie Geng both move Qi in the Chest, thus also helping to move Blood as ‘the Qi moves the Blood and the Blood moves the Qi”. Chai Hu clears Heat from longstanding stars and soothes the Liver. In essence the formula nourishes and then moves the Blood.

Research has shown that this formula has several therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to enhance microcirculation- the formula can be considered to move blood from the thorax to the limbs and skin -the periphery, which can optimise ventilation-perfusion ratios. These effects explain why it is considered a formula with a formula with a role, from a TCM perspective, in resolving blood stasis, which is believed to obstruct the normal flow of blood and Qi in traditional Chinese medicine terms. Blood Stasis can, in some patients, manifest as pain, while in others its presents as circulatory compromise, cancer (particularly those tumours that require angiogenesis for growth), respiratory or cardiovascular disease. For some patients more than one of these western pathologies can be seen in tandem, demonstrating the benefit of making the TCVM pattern diagnosis and treating this, to alleviate multiple issues.

The formula’s efficacy has been supported by studies highlighting its capability to regulate vascular endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit platelet aggregation, making it valuable in cardiovascular conditions. This herbal formula primarily works by promoting blood circulation and reducing stasis, thereby alleviating symptoms related to poor blood flow. Its harmonious blend of herbs works synergistically to improve microcirculation and oxygen delivery to tissues.  

Traditionally, this formula is indicated for conditions involving Blood stasis in the chest. Clinically, in TCVM the clinical applications for it has been expanded and it can be used to treat:

  • COPD
  • Cough
  • Congrestive Heart Failure
  • Arthritis/pain conditions
  • Neoplasia – examples include, but do not comprise exclusively of, mast cell tumors, thyroid adenocarcinomas, melanomas, thyroid adenocarcinoma, nasal adenocarcinoma.
  • Masticatory myositis
  • Chronic corneal ulcers and corneal degradation
  • Head trauma and concussion
  • Chronic cholangiohepatitis

The name of this herbal is Xue Fu Zhu You Tang

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