TCM Book Club Issue 2746
One issue daily, accompanying the growth of TCM practitioners
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I Introduction: The author summarizes from clinical practice that although the function of tonifying Yuan Qi cannot be replaced by Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula), it can help with weight gain. At the end, there is a story referred to by a classmate as “growing faster than a pig”. (Editor/Wang Chao)
Dang Shen Weight Gain Soup
Author/Wang Xu Qian
[Formula Source]
This formula is a simple and effective experience formula summarized by the author in clinical practice, published in the “Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Combinations”.
[Composition]
Dang Shen 20g, Goji Berries 20g, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) 15g.
[Effects]
Tonifies Qi and blood, strengthens the body.
[Indications]
Weak body, thinness, low weight, fatigue and weakness.
[Analysis of the Formula]
This formula uses Dang Shen to tonify Qi, Shu Di Huang to tonify blood, while Goji Berries tonify both Qi and blood, as well as Yin and Yang. The formula is simple, with a single combination, and the effects are significant.
[Usage]
Soak in water for oral consumption, or boil into a paste and mix with hot water for consumption.
[Precautions]
Not suitable for those who are overweight.
[Modification]
If short of breath, add Huang Qi (Astragalus) 30g.
[Herb Explanation]
Dang Shen
1. Functions
(1) Tonifies the spleen and benefits the lungs: Used for various Qi deficiency syndromes, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, poor appetite, chronic diarrhea, prolapse, and cough with shortness of breath.
(2) Tonifies blood: Used for Qi deficiency that cannot generate blood or blood deficiency that cannot transform Qi, presenting with pale or sallow complexion, fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations.
(3) Generates fluids: Used for mild cases of both Qi and fluid deficiency.
2. Understanding
(1) Regarding origin: Dang Shen was first recorded in the “Revised Materia Medica”, so the Dang Shen in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” is not the same as the current Dang Shen.
(2) Regarding weight gain: In many years of clinical practice, the author has found that Dang Shen can help with weight gain. Therefore, caution is needed when using this herb, especially for those who are overweight. The author often uses Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellaria) instead of Dang Shen. Particularly for children, as there are many overweight children, it is advisable not to use Dang Shen lightly. If weight gain is needed, Dang Shen combined with Goji Berries for soaking in water has good effects. From personal experience, young women should generally not use Dang Shen for Qi tonification to avoid weight gain. It is often said that taking Chinese medicine easily leads to weight gain, and the main herb causing this is Dang Shen. This understanding is derived from the author’s years of clinical experience.
(3) Regarding effects: The Qi tonifying effect of Dang Shen is weaker than that of Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), but due to its lower price and abundant supply, in ancient formulas, Ren Shen is often replaced by Dang Shen, but for major Qi tonification, Dang Shen cannot replace Ren Shen.
Goji Berries
1. Functions
(1) Nourishes the liver and kidneys: Used for symptoms caused by insufficient essence and blood, such as soreness of the lower back and knees, nocturnal emissions, tinnitus, loose teeth, premature graying of hair, insomnia with vivid dreams, and tidal fever with night sweats due to liver and kidney Yin deficiency.
(2) Benefits essence and brightens the eyes: Used for vision impairment caused by liver and kidney deficiency, dry eyes, cloudy vision, dizziness, and vertigo.
2. Understanding
(1) Regarding the herb: Goji Berries from Ningxia are the best, known as Xi Goji, due to their large size, thick flesh, few seeds, red color, and tenderness; those from Zhangye in Gansu (anciently known as Ganzhou) are called Gan Goji, which Li Shizhen stated is the best; the Goji from Hebei is also good.
(2) Regarding the evaluation of Goji Berries in herbal texts: The “Materia Medica Compendium” gives a high evaluation of Goji Berries, believing they possess characteristics of various herbs such as Ginseng, Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Angelica), Shu Di Huang, Cinnamon, Fu Zi (Aconite), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Hou Po (Magnolia), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Du Huo (Angelica), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia). It is believed that: “It is commonly said that Goji Berries are good for treating the eyes, but it is not just for the eyes; they can strengthen essence and spirit, making the spirit full and essence sufficient, thus effectively treating the eyes. It is also said to treat wind, but it is not just for wind; it can nourish blood and generate nutrients, so when blood is sufficient, wind is eliminated, thus treating wind effectively. People commonly know that to tonify Qi, one must use Ginseng or Huang Qi, to tonify blood, one must use Dang Gui or Shu Di Huang, to tonify Yang, one must use Cinnamon or Fu Zi, to tonify Yin, one must use Zhi Mu or Huang Bai, to reduce fire, one must use Huang Qin or Huang Lian, to disperse dampness, one must use Cang Zhu or Hou Po, to expel wind, one must use Qiang Huo, Du Huo, or Fang Feng, but they do not know that Goji Berries can… make Qi abundant, blood replenished, Yang generated, Yin prolonged, fire reduced, and wind-dampness expelled, having ten full miraculous uses.” It is said that “Eating Goji Berries throughout the year can allow one to live as long as the heavens and the earth,” referring to the longevity effects of Goji Berries. In Chinese medicine, the only herb that can tonify both Qi and blood Yin and Yang is Goji Berries. Although Zi He Che (human placenta) can also tonify Qi and blood Yin and Yang, it is not commonly used, and some people cannot accept this herb emotionally. Therefore, Goji Berries are a balanced tonic for Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang.
From the perspective of nourishing the organs and addressing deficiencies, Goji Berries have a nourishing effect, particularly for liver and kidney deficiency syndromes, such as dizziness, vertigo, lower back soreness, leg weakness, tinnitus, and blurred vision. Goji Berries can strengthen bones, maintain youth, and endure cold and heat, thus often used as a nourishing and anti-aging herb. Goji Berries can also be a common food in daily diet.
(3) Regarding usage: Goji Berries can be used in various ways, both medicinally and as food. The best medicinal method is to soak them in wine, especially suitable for those with weak constitutions and poor resistance. However, it requires long-term persistence to see effects. For convenience, Goji Berries can also be soaked in water and consumed as tea, which is sweet, not greasy or hot, and has a pleasant taste. However, no tonic should be taken in excess, and Goji Berries are no exception. Generally, healthy adults should consume about 15g of Goji Berries daily.
(4) Regarding beauty: Goji Berries have a whitening effect. The “Discussion on Medicinal Properties” records that Goji Berries “brighten the complexion, enhance vision, calm the spirit, and promote longevity”. Clinically, Goji Berries can be used with other herbs to achieve whitening effects. Goji Berries can also prevent hair loss, making hair black and shiny, and have significant effects on yellowing hair, white hair, dull complexion, and dry skin. As they can also promote the production of hair melanin, they have good effects on alopecia areata.
(5) Regarding blood tonification: The “Textbook of Traditional Chinese Medicine” categorizes Goji Berries as a blood tonifying herb. Goji Berries can indeed tonify Yin, but from the perspective of their main functions, they should primarily be viewed as blood tonifiers. According to TCM theory, red herbs often have characteristics of entering the blood. In clinical applications, Goji Berries are often used to treat blood deficiency syndromes, mainly those of essence and blood deficiency. Therefore, the author has placed them in the category of blood tonifying herbs in the book “Understanding Clinical Chinese Herbal Medicine”.
(6) Regarding Yang tonification: The “Compendium of Materia Medica, Volume 36” quotes Tao Hongjing saying, “Traveling a thousand miles from home, do not eat Goji Berries. This means that these two herbs tonify essence and Qi, strengthening the Yin pathway.” This indicates that Goji Berries have a Yang tonifying effect. In terms of Yang tonification, they can treat sexual dysfunction and have the effect of assisting Yang and strengthening the body. Therefore, Goji Berries are included in the formula Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan (Five-Seed Restoration Pill) for this reason. In clinical applications, Goji Berries can also treat infertility due to abnormal semen. Among tonifying herbs, only Goji Berries and Zi He Che can tonify both Qi and blood Yin and Yang, and since Zi He Che is not commonly used, Goji Berries are essential for treating deficiencies. The Yang tonifying power of Goji Berries is not strong, but with consistent use, they do have effects and can promote sexual function. They have a mild effect, suitable for those with weak constitutions and poor resistance, and it is essential to persist in taking them daily to see results.
(7) Regarding anti-aging: Goji Berries have long been regarded as a key herb for anti-aging, believed to have effects of tonifying deficiencies and prolonging life, with the saying “Long-term consumption leads to longevity.” Modern research has also confirmed that Goji Berries can indeed improve and enhance the body’s immune function, delaying aging.
Goji Berries are highly valued by ancient health practitioners as a nourishing and strengthening herb, used in many famous formulas for longevity, such as Gui Ling Ji, Yan Nian Guang Zi Wan, Huan Shao Dan, and Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. Many long-lived individuals enjoy drinking Goji Berry wine, and the “Compendium of Materia Medica, Volume 36” records that its preparation method is “Pick ripe Goji Berries daily, regardless of quantity, soak them in non-ash wine, seal with wax paper to prevent air leakage. After two months, crush them in a sand basin, filter the juice, and mix it with the wine in a silver pot, simmering over low heat while stirring continuously to prevent sticking. When it becomes a paste like syrup, store it in a clean bottle. Take two tablespoons warm in the morning and again at night. After a hundred days, one feels light and strong, and if continued for years, one can achieve immortality.” Of course, consuming Goji Berries will not lead to immortality, but it is certain that they can promote longevity.
The “Taiping Shenghui Fang, Volume 94” records a story about Goji Berries. A man went to the West River and encountered a girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old, beating an old man, who was about ninety. The messenger was puzzled and asked the girl, “Who is this old man?” The girl replied, “He is my great-grandson; why is it strange? He has a good medicine that he refuses to take, which has caused him to age and be unable to walk, so I punish him.” The messenger then asked the girl, “How old is he this year?” The girl replied, “Three hundred seventy-two years old.” The messenger further asked, “What kind of medicine is there? Can you tell me?” The girl said, “There is only one kind of medicine, but it has five names.” The messenger asked, “What are the five names?” The girl replied, “In spring, it is called Tian Jing (Heavenly Essence), in summer, it is called Goji, in autumn, it is called Di Gu (Earth Bone), and in winter, it is called Xian Ren Zhang (Immortal’s Staff), also known as Xi Wang Mu Zhang (Queen Mother of the West’s Staff). It should be taken according to the four seasons, allowing one to live in harmony with the heavens and the earth.” The messenger asked, “How should it be harvested?” The girl said, “…Harvest and consume it in order, and within two hundred days, the body will be radiant, and the skin will be smooth; after three hundred days, one can walk as slowly as a horse, and the old will become young again. Long-term consumption can lead to becoming a true person.”
Although this story has obvious legendary elements, the 372-year-old girl is likely fictional, but the effects of Goji Berries on health, longevity, and anti-aging are undeniable. Over the years, medical verification has shown that Goji Berries, from medicinal use to wine making, from supplementary food to beauty, have proven effects in promoting longevity, anti-aging, enhancing physical strength, resisting diseases, and combating fatigue.
(8) Regarding vision improvement: Goji Berries also have excellent effects on vision. Drinking Goji Berry soup or soaking them in water can improve vision and protect eyesight, with the saying “To have bright eyes, drink Goji Berry soup regularly.” Li Shizhen in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” stated that Goji Berries can “nourish the kidneys, moisten the lungs, and brighten the eyes.” Throughout history, physicians have often used Goji Berries to treat vision problems caused by liver blood deficiency and kidney Yin deficiency, such as blurred vision and night blindness. Many folk remedies use Goji Berries to treat chronic eye diseases and maintain eye health, such as steaming eggs with Goji Berries or using Goji Berries to make pig liver soup. The Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium and Chrysanthemum Pill) also has the function of improving vision while treating lower back and knee soreness.
Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia)
1. Functions
(1) Tonifies blood: Used for blood deficiency leading to sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, and menstrual irregularities.
(2) Nourishes Yin: Used for liver and kidney Yin deficiency, lower back and knee soreness, nocturnal emissions, night sweats, tinnitus, hearing loss, and thirst, as well as essence and blood deficiency, premature graying of hair, and weakness.
2. Understanding
(1) Regarding the herb: Shu Di Huang is the root of the Rehmannia plant, processed by steaming raw Rehmannia with yellow wine multiple times until it becomes black and oily, or directly steamed until it is black and shiny, then dried and sliced for use as a key herb for treating blood deficiency. Shu Di Huang greatly tonifies essence, blood, and Yin, while raw Rehmannia only tonifies Yin. In terms of Yin tonification, Shu Di Huang is superior to raw Rehmannia because the processing changes its properties from cold to warm, its taste from bitter to sweet, its function from clearing to tonifying, and its quality from thin to rich.
(2) Regarding blood tonification: Shu Di Huang has a good blood tonifying effect, especially suitable for those with blood deficiency and insufficient liver and kidney essence and blood, and its blood tonifying effect is stronger than Bai Shao (White Peony). Generally, among plant herbs, Shu Di Huang should be prioritized for blood tonification, except for gelatinous herbs (such as Ejiao and turtle shell), which have good blood tonifying effects. Many Chinese herbal texts record that Shu Di Huang has the effect of “filling essence and benefiting marrow,” which is actually derived from its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys. The author believes this term is unclear, and since only this herb is mentioned in current Chinese herbal texts, it has not been adopted in the expression of medicinal effects in this book. When combined with Lu Jiao Jiao (deer antler glue), the blood tonifying effect is enhanced. The key formula for treating deficiency is San Cai Tang (Three Ingredients Decoction), which uses Tian Men Dong (Asparagus), Shu Di Huang, and Ren Shen, abbreviated as “Heaven, Earth, and Man,” to treat Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang deficiency syndromes, using the method of decocting in water for oral consumption or boiling into a paste for use. Shu Di Huang tonifies blood, while Ren Shen tonifies Qi; when used together (as in the Er Yin Gao), they complement each other, tonifying both Qi and blood, treating severe deficiency of essence and blood that cannot transform into Qi.
(3) Regarding the roasted and charred form: Roasted Shu Di Huang can stop bleeding, used for bleeding syndromes, especially for those with blood deficiency and bleeding syndromes. If not roasted, it is not suitable for stopping bleeding.
(4) Regarding its greasy nature: Shu Di Huang is greasy and can stagnate the spleen, affecting digestion. However, Zhang Jingyue in the “Corrected Materia Medica” states that Shu Di Huang “has a thick taste and thin Qi,” and “contains Yang within Yin.” “For those with true Yin deficiency, it can cause fever, headache, thirst, throat obstruction, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, or cold from the spleen and kidneys causing vomiting, or if Yin deficiency leads to diarrhea, or if Yin floats leading to mania, or if Yin collapses leading to collapse. If there is true Yin deficiency and the vital Qi is lost, how can Shu Di Huang gather it? If there is true Yin deficiency and fire rises, how can Shu Di Huang descend it? If there is true Yin deficiency and restlessness, how can Shu Di Huang calm it? If there is true Yin deficiency and urgency, how can Shu Di Huang alleviate it? If there is true Yin deficiency and the vital Qi is lost, how can Shu Di Huang return it? If there is true Yin deficiency and both essence and blood are depleted, how can Shu Di Huang thicken the stomach? Moreover, the most mysterious aspect is that Shu Di Huang can also be used in dispersing formulas to induce sweating; why? Because sweat transforms into blood, and without Yin, there can be no sweat. Shu Di Huang can also be used in warming formulas to restore Yang; why? Because Yang is generated below, and without it, there can be no return to dryness. However, Yang is quick, so Ren Shen can be used less and still succeed; Yin is slow, so Shu Di Huang is difficult to be effective in excess.”
Zhang Jingyue’s unique insights on Shu Di Huang, in his formulation Jin Shui Liu Jun Decoction (Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Chen Pi, Ban Xia, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao), primarily nourishes kidney Yin with Shu Di Huang, combining with Er Chen Tang to strengthen the spleen and transform phlegm. His established formulas for treating kidney Yang deficiency, such as You Gui Yin and You Gui Wan, and for treating kidney Yin deficiency, such as Zuo Gui Yin and Zuo Gui Wan, all skillfully utilize Shu Di Huang. Through reasonable combinations, the greasy nature of Shu Di Huang can be prevented, such as in Er Yin Gao, which uses Shu Di Huang to tonify blood and Ren Shen to tonify Qi. Additionally, appropriate processing can also prevent the greasy nature of Shu Di Huang, such as for those with cold and vomiting, using ginger juice to roast it for warming; for bloating, using Sha Ren (Amomum) to stir-fry (or crush) to move Qi and relieve bloating; for stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians, using wine to stir-fry to enhance its dispersing power.
Therefore, Huang Gongxiu in the “Seeking Truth in Materia Medica, Volume 2, Warming the Kidneys” believes that “Zhang Jingyue’s discussion of Shu Di Huang is the most clear, and he uniquely discusses the cold reverse of the spleen and kidneys causing vomiting, which can be treated with Di Huang, which is also a significant oversight. If the spleen and kidneys are cold and deficient, then the spleen and kidneys have already suffered from cold, and it is appropriate to use warming herbs to eliminate it, just as when the sun arrives, the ice melts, and if frost and snow fall again, using Yin herbs will only exacerbate the cold. I read the “Complete Works of Jingyue” and found that every word is insightful, and every sentence is a guideline, which can be a law to follow, but regarding the use of Di Huang… its nature is warm, and cold disperses with warmth, but if cold rises to cause vomiting, then the cold is already severe; how can Shu Di Huang’s warmth disperse the cold? However, if Yang is strong and Yin is weak, and Yang relies on Yin to transform, occasionally having a cold, using this mixed with warming dispersing herbs may have effects; but if it is pure Yin without fire, and the vital Qi rises, causing vomiting, then this is deeply taboo.” This agrees with Zhang Jingyue’s experience of using Shu Di Huang, but disagrees with using Shu Di Huang to treat cold reverse of the spleen and kidneys causing vomiting.
Qing Dynasty physician Chen Shiduo believed that Shu Di Huang not only does not generate phlegm but can also eliminate phlegm. He said, “Some say Shu Di Huang is a very Yin herb, but its nature is very stagnating; using it excessively can lead to phlegm generation, and if it assists phlegm, it can cause wheezing, which is very dangerous. This is precisely because they do not understand the power of Shu Di Huang… Shu Di Huang is not only non-phlegm generating but can also eliminate phlegm; it is not only non-stagnating but can also move Qi. However, how it is used by people is key. Phlegm varies by organ; if phlegm arises from the spleen and lungs, using Shu Di Huang will assist its dampness, which seems inappropriate. If phlegm arises from the heart, liver, or kidneys, how can Shu Di Huang not eliminate it? Therefore, if someone has phlegm that is clear like water, using Er Chen to eliminate phlegm will not succeed, but taking Ba Wei Tang will immediately reduce the phlegm, which is not the clear evidence of Shu Di Huang’s effectiveness for phlegm from the heart, liver, or kidneys?
Moreover, there is a type of phlegm that is expelled as white foam, lighter during the day and heavier at night, to the extent that one cannot lie down; using Liu Wei Tang, greatly increasing Shu Di Huang and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), after several doses, the phlegm significantly reduces, and after taking several dozen doses, the white foam completely disappears, allowing for peaceful sleep. Is this not clear evidence of Shu Di Huang’s ability to eliminate phlegm? Shu Di Huang eliminates phlegm without generating it, so there is no doubt about it.” (“New Compilation of Materia Medica, Volume 1, Shu Di Huang”). Comprehensive understanding of ancient physicians’ recognition of Shu Di Huang, especially Zhang Jingyue and Chen Shiduo, who are adept at using Shu Di Huang. From modern usage of Shu Di Huang, to prevent its greasy nature, it is often combined with Sha Ren.
(5) Regarding medicinal properties: Raw Rehmannia, after multiple steamings, becomes Shu Di Huang, and its properties change from cool to warm. Its nourishing effect is also enhanced, and its function changes, becoming a blood tonifying herb. Generally, the herbs that change properties through processing are mainly raw Rehmannia processed into Shu Di Huang, and Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema) processed into Dan Nan Xing.
[Summary]
Based on the author’s clinical experience, among Chinese herbs, Dang Shen has the best weight gain effect, generally showing significant results after using 10 doses. Therefore, for those who need to maintain a slim figure, it is advisable not to use Dang Shen lightly to avoid weight gain. Clinically, when combined with Shu Di Huang, the weight gain effect is enhanced, but Shu Di Huang is relatively greasy, so the dosage should not be too large, and it should not be used for long periods to avoid affecting appetite, which could damage the source of postnatal transformation. The “Classic of Materia Medica” records that Goji Berries have a lightening effect; based on clinical applications, if someone is thin, they can help with weight gain, while for those who are overweight, they can help with weight loss, indicating that Goji Berries have a dual regulatory effect.
(1) Regarding weight gain: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that weakness is often due to poor spleen and stomach function and insufficient Qi and blood. The spleen is the foundation of postnatal health, and the source of Qi and blood transformation. When the spleen and stomach are strong, Qi and blood are abundant, leading to robust muscles and limbs. Thin individuals often have weak digestive functions; in daily life, they can eat smaller meals more frequently, as eating too much at once may hinder effective absorption and increase the burden on the digestive system, leading to indigestion. At the same time, they should consume easily digestible foods and vary their flavors to stimulate appetite. They should avoid strong, gas-producing, and high-fiber foods, as these can create a feeling of fullness and reduce food intake.
(2) Regarding the selection of herbs: In adjusting a thin physique, it is generally advisable to choose herbs with tonifying effects, primarily focusing on tonifying Qi and blood. The author has found that Huang Qi also has a dual effect; thin individuals can gain weight, while overweight individuals can lose weight, depending on the combination. If combined with Dang Shen and Shu Di Huang, it will lead to weight gain.
(3) Regarding night eating: Some say that overweight individuals gain weight even from drinking water, while thin individuals do not gain weight no matter how much they eat. This is related to constitution and genetic factors, as well as personal eating habits. There is a saying that “Horses do not gain weight without night grass,” meaning that to make a horse strong, it must be fed at night. Similarly, for humans, overweight individuals should eat less at night, while thin individuals can eat some food at night to help with weight gain, but not excessively, as this could lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction.
[Case Example]
Xiao, a student at our school, male. Height 185cm, weight 46kg. He is thin but eats normally. According to the standard weight formula = (height – 100) × 0.9, this student should weigh 76kg. Considering the inconvenience of decocting herbs for students, he was advised to use Dang Shen and Goji Berries from the formula, regardless of quantity, to soak in water for drinking. After continuously taking it for half a month, he surprisingly gained 6kg, which surprised the students present, who jokingly said he grew faster than a pig. After continued use of this formula, by graduation, his weight reached 65kg, and he reported that his muscles were stronger than before.
Recommended Reading:
Miao Xiyong’s secret transmission, a formula that has been effective repeatedly—Zi Sheng Wan
Zhi Zhu Wan—A foundational formula for regulating spleen and stomach deficiency
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Weight gain, this demand is perhaps no less than weight loss! Teacher Song Baishan mentioned in the “Zhang Xichun’s 52 Effective Formulas and the Truth of Seeking” preface that the first formula in the Yin Nourishing section is a “weight gain formula.” Additionally, there is also a “growth formula” in the Yin Nourishing section, which is very exciting to hear~When discussing why we should learn Zhang Xichun, he said:
Click here to learn about Zhang Xichun↑