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Si Wu Tang

四物汤 (Si Wu Tang)

Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)

Blood deficiencyMenstrual irregularityPale complexionDizziness and blurred visionAmenorrheaDysmenorrheaPost-menstrual fatigue

Description

Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is the foundational formula for nourishing and invigorating Blood. Shu Di Huang and Dang Gui nourish Blood while Chuan Xiong moves Qi and Blood to prevent stagnation. Bai Shao softens the Liver and relieves pain. This formula underlies most gynecological Blood-nourishing formulas in TCM.

Composition

Herb Amount % Role Function
Dang Gui 9g 25% Chen (Deputy) Tonifies Blood, invigorates Blood, regulates menstruation.
Bai Shao 9g 25% Chen (Deputy) Nourishes Blood, softens Liver, alleviates pain.
Chuan Xiong 6g 16.67% Zuo (Assistant) Invigorates Blood, promotes Qi movement, prevents stagnation.
Shu Di Huang 12g 33.33% Jun (Chief) Nourishes Blood and enriches Essence as primary tonic.

Total weight: 36g

Preparation

Decoct in water for 30 minutes. Take warm in 2 doses/day, ideally before meals.

Dosage

Decoction: 1 dose/day. Pills: 6–9g twice daily.

Similar Formulas by composition

Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).