| Introduction: Blood deficiency insomnia is the most common type of insomnia in clinical practice. In this issue, we will introduce two commonly used herbs for blood deficiency insomnia through two formula patterns. What are the similarities and differences between these two herbs? (Editor: Mu Yi Huo Er)
Hu Xishu’s Classical Formula Medicine
Suan Zao Ren is used in the Suan Zao Ren Decoction, as noted in the Jin Kui Yao Lue · Xue Bi Xu Lao Bing (Chapter 17): “For Xu Lao, with restlessness and inability to sleep, the Suan Zao Ren Decoction is the main treatment.” Analysis: Xu Lao and restlessness suggest heart palpitations and insomnia due to blood deficiency; this type of insomnia is suitable for treatment with Suan Zao Ren Decoction. Suan Zao Ren is astringent and a strong tonic, particularly effective for calming the nerves and settling the spirit. This formula uses it as the main herb to nourish deficiency and calm the spirit for sleep. Additionally, it includes Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong), Gan Cao (Licorice), and Fu Ling (Poria) to tonify the middle and harmonize the blood, while Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) and Fu Ling relieve restlessness and calm palpitations, thus treating restlessness and insomnia caused by blood deficiency. Suan Zao Ren in the Tai Yin and Yang Ming combined pattern of the Suan Zao Ren Decoction primarily nourishes blood and calms the spirit. Interpretation of Herb Characteristics: The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states: “Suan Zao, sour in flavor, neutral. It treats cold and heat evil stagnation in the heart and abdomen, limb soreness, and damp bi. Long-term use nourishes the five organs, lightens the body, and prolongs life.” It is known to be sweet and sour, leaning towards nourishing blood and calming the spirit. Due to its sour taste, it has astringent properties, making it clinically effective for spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Modern studies generally recognize Suan Zao Ren’s sleep-inducing effects, often used for insomnia. Mr. Hu Xishu believes that Suan Zao Ren is suitable for those with blood deficiency insomnia, while its effects are not as good for those with damp-heat or cold-damp conditions, which has been clinically validated. Summary of Herb Functions: Suan Zao Ren, sour in flavor, neutral. It nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and has astringent properties. It is indicated for blood deficiency insomnia, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and palpitations. Dosage: 10-15 grams in decoction, or in pill or powder form. Bai Zi Ren is used in the Zhu Pi Da Wan formula, as noted in the Jin Kui Yao Lue · Fu Ren Chan Hou Bing (Chapter 9): “For women with lactation deficiency, restlessness, and vomiting, the Zhu Pi Da Wan is the main treatment.” Analysis: Postpartum blood deficiency generates heat, causing restlessness and vomiting; thus, a modified Gui Zhi Gan Cao Decoction with Da Zao is used to release the exterior and descend the qi to alleviate vomiting, with increased Licorice to tonify qi; Bamboo Shavings are added, along with Shi Gao (Gypsum) and Bai Wei (Cynanchum) to clear interior heat and relieve restlessness, thus serving as a dual exterior-interior resolving agent. When there is interior heat and restlessness, Bai Zi Ren is added to clear interior heat and treat restlessness. Bai Zi Ren in the Tai Yang and Yang Ming combined pattern of the Zhu Pi Da Wan primarily clears interior heat and moistens the bowels. Interpretation of Herb Characteristics: Bai Zi Ren clears heat and relieves restlessness; the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states: “Bai fruit, sweet in flavor, neutral. It treats palpitations, calms the five organs, tonifies qi, and eliminates damp bi. Long-term use makes one beautiful, sharpens the senses, and prolongs life.” It is known for its calming and spirit-soothing effects, as it can treat restlessness and wheezing. Later herbal texts consider Bai Zi Ren a gentle blood-nourishing and spirit-calming herb, which also has certain benefits for bowel movements, as noted in the Gang Mu: “Bai Zi Ren… is suitable for use in nourishing formulas. Clinically, it is often used for forgetfulness, insomnia, constipation, and rectal bleeding. It is also indicated for blood deficiency and menstrual irregularities, as seen in the Bai Zi Ren Wan from the Fu Ren Da Quan Liang Fang. Summary of Herb Functions: Bai Zi Ren, sweet in flavor, neutral. It nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and moistens the bowels. It is indicated for palpitations, insomnia, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, and constipation. Dosage: 6-15 grams in decoction, or in pill or powder form.
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This article is excerpted from:Feng Shilun. Hu Xishu’s Insights on Classical Formula Medication—An Exploration of Classical Formula Medication [M]. China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2011.Copyright belongs to the relevant patent holders. If there are any improper uses, please contact us.
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