The Efficacy of Blood-Nourishing Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Blood-nourishing herbs, also known as blood-tonifying herbs, are those that can treat blood deficiency syndromes. The main symptoms of blood deficiency syndrome include: pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, and in women, late menstruation with scanty and pale flow, or even amenorrhea. Any condition presenting with the above symptoms can be treated with blood-nourishing herbs.
Blood-nourishing herbs are generally sweet in flavor, as sweetness can nourish. Since the “heart governs blood,” “liver stores blood,” and “spleen controls blood,” most blood-nourishing herbs correspond to the heart, liver, and spleen meridians. Blood deficiency and yin deficiency are causally related in pathophysiology; blood deficiency often leads to yin deficiency. If blood deficiency is accompanied by yin deficiency, it should be used in conjunction with yin-nourishing herbs. Some blood-nourishing herbs also possess yin-nourishing properties and can be used as yin tonics. Blood-nourishing herbs are often used together with qi tonics, as “qi can generate blood,” enhancing the efficacy of blood nourishment.
Blood-nourishing herbs tend to be rich and moist, which can hinder digestion. Therefore, those with dampness obstructing the middle burner, reduced appetite, or loose stools should avoid using them. For individuals with spleen and stomach weakness, they should be combined with herbs that strengthen the spleen and aid digestion to ensure nourishment without stagnation, preventing disruption of the middle burner’s function.
01
Di Huang (Rehmannia Root)
This herb is sweet and warm, with a rich flavor and moist texture, corresponding to the liver and kidney meridians. Its functions include nourishing yin, enriching blood, and replenishing essence and marrow.
This herb is the root of the perennial herb Rehmannia glutinosa, which is cultivated in most regions of China.
Pharmacological components of Di Huang: contains rehmannioside, various sugars, and amino acids. It has blood sugar-lowering effects and diuretic properties. Di Huang can also promote lymphocyte transformation and increase white blood cells and platelets, enhancing the body’s immune function.
Clinical applications of Di Huang: This herb is a key blood-nourishing agent, capable of both nourishing blood and enriching yin, and it can generate essence and marrow. It is a fundamental herb for treating kidney yin deficiency, heart and liver blood deficiency, and menstrual irregularities in women. Common formulas include Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) and Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction). It can be combined with Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus) to treat symptoms of weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, etc. It can also be combined with Dang Gui (Angelica), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum), and Bai Shao (White Peony) for gynecological conditions. When used with Ce Bai Ye (Platycladus), He Ye (Lotus Leaf), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), and Yuan Shen (Scrophularia), it treats blood heat leading to bleeding, hemoptysis, hematemesis, and epistaxis. At Beijing Weida Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology Hospital, it is used with Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), Bai Shao, and Dang Gui to treat various late-stage cancer patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, addressing kidney and liver yin deficiency and blood deficiency.
Dosage: 10-30 grams, decocted in water. Weida anti-cancer medicinal dish: 15 grams of Shu Di Huang, stewed with 150 grams of rabbit meat. Functions: Nourishes blood, enriches yin, tonifies qi, cools blood, and detoxifies, suitable for various cancer patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, addressing kidney and liver yin deficiency, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and thirst.
02
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis)
This herb is pungent and sweet, warm in nature, corresponding to the heart, liver, and spleen meridians. Its functions include nourishing blood, benefiting the liver, invigorating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and moistening the intestines.
This herb is the root of the plant Angelica sinensis, with those from Gansu known as Qin Dang Gui. The Gansu variety is considered a genuine medicinal material. The Sichuan variety is called Chuan Dang Gui, used fresh in slices. It is also produced in Yunnan, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Hunan, and Hubei.
Pharmacological components of Dang Gui: It has a bidirectional regulatory effect on the uterus, possesses sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, treats atrial fibrillation, protects the liver, prevents depletion of liver glycogen, and has anti-anemia effects. It also promotes immune function.
Clinical applications of Dang Gui: This herb is an excellent blood-nourishing agent, suitable for all blood deficiency syndromes. It can be used for any condition caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis. It is often combined with Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, and Chuan Xiong to form Si Wu Tang for nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. It can be combined with Dan Shen (Salvia), Myrrh, and Frankincense to treat pain due to blood stasis. It can also be combined with Da Huang (Rhubarb), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), and Hong Hua (Safflower) to treat traumatic injuries and blood stasis pain. It can be combined with Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Qin Jiao (Gentiana) to treat joint pain and numbness of the skin. It can be combined with Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), Chi Shao (Red Peony), and Pao Shan Jia (Pangolin Scales) to treat carbuncles and abscesses. It can be combined with Huo Ma Ren (Hemp Seed) and Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche) to treat chronic illness in the elderly and constipation due to deficiency. At Beijing Weida Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology Hospital, Dang Gui is used with Huang Qi (Astragalus) to treat various cancer patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, addressing qi and blood deficiency, liver and kidney deficiency leading to hair loss, pale complexion, and decreased white blood cell count.
Dosage: 6-15 grams, decocted in water. Weida medicinal dish: 6 grams of Dang Gui, 30 grams of Huang Qi, stewed with 200 grams of lamb meat, consumed as food. It has the functions of tonifying qi and nourishing blood, benefiting the liver and strengthening the spleen, suitable for various cancer patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, addressing qi and blood deficiency, weakness, and decreased immune function.
03
Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
This herb is bitter, sour, and slightly cold, corresponding to the liver and spleen meridians. Its functions include nourishing blood, softening the liver, stopping sweating, alleviating pain, and harmonizing the nutritive and defensive qi.
This herb is the root of the perennial herbaceous plant Paeonia lactiflora, primarily produced in Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces, with cultivation widespread.
Pharmacological components of Bai Shao: Bai Shao glycoside has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system and can dilate coronary and peripheral blood vessels. Bai Shao decoction has varying degrees of inhibitory effects on Shigella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus. It also has inhibitory effects on certain skin fungi.
Clinical applications of Bai Shao: This herb is a key medicine for nourishing the liver and blood. It is commonly used for blood deficiency syndromes and gynecological diseases. It is often combined with Chuan Xiong to form Si Wu Tang, a general formula for treating blood deficiency. It can treat abdominal pain during menstruation, and when combined with Xiang Fu (Cyperus) and Yuan Hu (Corydalis), the analgesic effect is enhanced. For disharmony of nutritive and defensive qi with spontaneous sweating, it can be combined with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Gan Cao (Licorice) as in Gui Zhi Tang to treat night sweats due to yin deficiency and yang excess. It can also be combined with Mu Li (Oyster Shell) and Long Gu (Dragon Bone) for additional effects. It can be combined with Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Dang Gui to form Xiao Yao San, treating liver qi stagnation and pain in the chest and abdomen. It can be combined with Gan Cao to form Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, treating liver blood deficiency and spasmodic pain. It can be combined with Dai He Shi (Hematite) and Niu Xi (Achyranthes) to form Zhen Han Xi Feng Tang, treating headaches and dizziness due to liver yang hyperactivity. It can be combined with Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Bing Lang (Areca), and Huang Lian (Coptis) to form Shao Yao Tang, treating dysentery and abdominal pain.
Dosage: 10-30 grams, decocted in water.
04
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong)
This herb is pungent and warm, corresponding to the liver, gallbladder, and pericardium meridians. Its functions include invigorating blood circulation, promoting qi, dispelling wind, and alleviating pain.
This herb is the rhizome of the perennial herbaceous plant Ligusticum chuanxiong, known as Chuan Xiong when produced in Sichuan. Chuan Xiong is a qi and blood herb, characterized by its aromatic and penetrating nature, capable of ascending to the head and descending to the blood sea, reaching the skin and connecting to the limbs. It has a mild dispersing power and strong analgesic effects, making it a key herb for treating headaches, regardless of whether they are due to wind-cold, wind-heat, qi deficiency, blood deficiency, or blood stasis. It is also commonly used for menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal pain.
Clinical applications of Chuan Xiong: It is often combined with Dang Gui, Chi Shao, and Xiang Fu to treat menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain. It can be combined with Chai Hu, Chi Shao, and Yu Jin (Curcuma) to treat masses, traumatic injuries, and flank pain. It can be combined with Bai Shao, Xi Xin (Asarum), and Qiang Huo to treat wind-cold headaches. It can be combined with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum) and Jiang Can (Silkworm) to treat wind-heat headaches. It can be combined with Qiang Huo, Ao Ben (Artemisia), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia) to treat wind-damp headaches. It can be combined with Dan Shen, Chi Shao, Hong Hua, and Bai Zhi (Angelica) to treat blood stasis headaches. It can be combined with Dang Gui and Bai Shao to treat blood deficiency headaches. It can be combined with Gui Zhi, Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig), and Du Huo (Angelica) to treat wind-damp bi pain. Weida headache formula: 10 grams of Chuan Xiong, 2 grams of Xi Xin, 10 grams of Bai Zhi, 6 grams of Qiang Huo, 6 grams of Du Huo, 10 grams of Ju Hua, 10 grams of Jiang Can, 10 grams of Ao Ben, 10 grams of Dan Shen, 15 grams of Chi Shao, 15 grams of Bai Shao, 10 grams of Dang Gui, and 10 grams of Gui Zhi. This formula has the functions of promoting qi, invigorating blood, dispelling wind, and dampness, effectively treating various headaches due to wind-cold and damp-heat stasis. This herb can be combined with Hong Hua, Dan Shen, and Chi Shao to treat coronary heart disease and angina, achieving certain therapeutic effects.
Dosage: 6-10 grams, decocted. Weida anti-cancer medicinal dish: 6 grams of Chuan Xiong, 10 grams of Dang Gui, 15 grams of Huang Qi, stewed with lean pork, consumed as food. It has the functions of benefiting the liver and kidney, tonifying qi and nourishing blood, invigorating blood circulation, dispelling wind, and alleviating pain. Suitable for cancer patients post-surgery and chemotherapy, addressing liver and kidney deficiency, qi and blood deficiency, and symptoms such as bone marrow damage, decreased blood counts, anemia, and fatigue.
05
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
This herb is bitter and astringent when raw, slightly warm, and sweet when processed, corresponding to the liver and kidney meridians. Its functions include detoxifying, healing sores, moistening the intestines, and tonifying the liver and kidneys, enriching essence and blood, and darkening hair.
This herb is the root of the perennial herbaceous plant Polygonum multiflorum, dried and called Sheng He Shou Wu (raw Fo-Ti), or steamed with black bean juice and dried to become Hei He Shou Wu (black Fo-Ti).
This herb has similar functions to Shu Di Huang, treating liver and kidney essence and blood deficiency. The two are often used together, but Shu Di Huang is richer and has a stronger yin-nourishing effect. He Shou Wu nourishes without being greasy, excelling in nourishing liver blood and enriching kidney essence, and can be used long-term without side effects.
Pharmacological components of He Shou Wu: (1) Effects on the central nervous system; (2) Reducing blood lipids and preventing atherosclerosis; (3) Effects on the hematopoietic system; (4) Effects on immune function; (5) Effects on metabolism; (6) Anti-aging; (7) Anti-platelet aggregation.
Clinical applications of He Shou Wu: Processed He Shou Wu is specifically for tonifying, commonly used for symptoms of essence and blood deficiency, dizziness, premature graying of hair, weakness in the lower back and legs, nocturnal emissions, and uterine bleeding. It can be combined with Dang Gui, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum), and Han Lian Cao (Eclipta) in formulas like Qi Shi Mei Ran Dan and Shou Wu Yan Shou Dan to darken hair, strengthen bones, and consolidate essence and qi. Dried He Shou Wu has detoxifying effects, used for blood deficiency and wind rashes, skin itching, often combined with Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus), Ku Shen (Sophora), Mu Tong (Akebia), and Deng Xin Cao (Juncus) to treat skin diseases and rashes effectively. It can be combined with Xia Ku Cao (Prunella) and Bei Mu (Fritillaria) to treat scrofula and tuberculosis. It can be combined with Rou Cong Rong and Huo Ma Ren to treat constipation in the elderly or weak individuals. This herb can be combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng) to treat chronic conditions.
Dosage: 10-30 grams. It tonifies essence and blood. Processed He Shou Wu detoxifies and moistens the intestines, while raw He Shou Wu is used for malaria. Weida anti-cancer medicinal dish: 15 grams of processed He Shou Wu, 15 grams of Gou Qi Zi, stewed with black chicken. Functions: Tonifies the liver and kidneys, prevents and treats cancer, and enhances immune function, also treating liver and kidney deficiency, dizziness, weakness in the lower back and knees, and premature graying of hair.
06
Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus)
This herb is sweet and neutral, slightly warm, corresponding to the liver meridian. Its functions include invigorating blood circulation, nourishing blood, and relaxing tendons and meridians.
This herb is the stem of the climbing shrub Spatholobus suberectus. It can be used fresh or prepared into Ji Xue Teng paste.
Pharmacological effects of Ji Xue Teng: It has blood-nourishing effects on experimental anemia in rabbits. In vitro, it has inhibitory effects on cancer cells. Clinical studies have shown it can elevate white blood cell counts.
Clinical applications of Ji Xue Teng: This herb can both invigorate and nourish blood without harming it, and it can nourish blood without causing stagnation. It is suitable for women with menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and other conditions, applicable to both deficiency and excess, especially beneficial for those with deficiency and stagnation. It is also effective for relaxing tendons and meridians, treating numbness of limbs, muscle spasms, and joint pain due to wind-cold-dampness or blood deficiency. Clinically, it is often combined with Si Wu Tang to treat women’s menstrual irregularities, abdominal pain during menstruation, and blood deficiency amenorrhea. It can be combined with Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Du Huo, Qin Jiao, and Mu Guo (Papaya) to treat bi syndrome and paralysis of limbs. It can be combined with Huang Qi, Dang Gui, and Da Zao (Jujube) to treat various cancers with leukopenia.
Dosage: 15-30 grams. Weida anti-cancer medicinal dish: 15 grams of this herb, 30 grams of red dates, stewed with black chicken, has the functions of nourishing the middle and blood, enhancing immune function, and elevating white blood cell counts.
07
Long Yan Rou (Longan Flesh)
This herb is sweet, warm, and moist, corresponding to the heart and spleen meridians. Its functions include tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit.
This herb is the ripe flesh of the longan tree (Dimocarpus longan), primarily produced in Fuzhou, Zhangzhou, and Quanzhou in Fujian province.
Clinical applications of Long Yan Rou: This herb can tonify the heart and spleen, nourish blood, and is not greasy or obstructive, making it an excellent tonic. It can be combined with Huang Qi, Ren Shen, Dang Gui, and Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed) to form Gui Pi Tang, treating palpitations, anxiety, forgetfulness, and insomnia due to deficiency of both heart and spleen.
Dosage: 10-15 grams, with larger doses up to 30 grams, decocted, made into paste, soaked in wine, or used in pill form. Weida anti-cancer medicinal dish: 10 pieces of this herb, 10 red dates, cooked as porridge. It has the function of tonifying qi and nourishing blood, showing good effects in treating immune decline and leukopenia.
08
Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin)
This herb is sweet and sticky, corresponding to the lung, liver, and kidney meridians. Its functions include nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, and nourishing yin and the lungs.
This herb is made from the skin of donkeys, boiled and processed into gelatin blocks. It was historically named after the water from the well in Dong’e County, Shandong Province, where it was traditionally produced. Nowadays, it is produced in various regions, with Shandong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu being the most prolific.
Clinical applications of Ejiao: It is a key herb for blood deficiency and yin deficiency, suitable for all conditions of blood loss. It is particularly suitable for deficiency cough with blood and dry cough due to yin deficiency. It can be combined with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Dang Gui, and Bai Shao to treat blood deficiency dizziness and palpitations. It can be combined with Ji Yi (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), Mai Dong, and Di Huang to treat hemoptysis and hematemesis. It can be combined with Ai Ye (Mugwort), Sheng Di Huang, and Bai Shao to form Jiao Ai Tang, which can stop bleeding and calm the fetus, treating excessive menstrual bleeding, pregnancy bleeding, or postpartum bleeding. It can be combined with Fu Zi (Aconite), Zao Xin Tu (Earth from the stove), and Di Huang to treat blood in the stool due to deficiency-cold. It can be combined with Huang Lian, Bai Zhu, and Ji Zi Huang (Egg Yolk) to treat irritability and insomnia. It can be combined with Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), Ma Dou Ling (Aristolochia), and Niu Bang Zi (Arctium) to treat lung deficiency heat, cough with little phlegm, or blood-streaked phlegm.
Dosage: 5-15 grams. It can be used in decoctions with hot water or yellow wine.
Nourish
Life
Protect
Health
Images and text: Cidan Tang
Layout: Cidan Tang