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GUI PI TANG (RESTORE THE SPLEEN DECOCTION)
TRADITIONAL USE, PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

By John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Pinyin Name: Gui Pi Tang
Literal Name: Restore the Spleen Decoction
Alternate Names: Kuei Pi Tang, Back to the Spleen Decoction, Ginseng and Longan Decoction, Ginseng and Longan Combination
Original Source: Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living) by Yan Yong-He in 1253

COMPOSITION

Note: Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) were not listed in the source text; they were added by Bi Li-Zhai in the 16th century in Jiao Zhu Fu Ren Liang Fang (Revised Fine Formulas for Women).

DOSAGE / PREPARATION / ADMINISTRATION

The source text instructs to grind the ingredients coarsely. Cook 12g of the powder with 5 slices of Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) and 1 piece of Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) in 1.5 large bowls of water until it is reduced to 70%. Take the warm, strained decoction at any time of the day. This formula may also be prepared as pills by mixing the powdered herbs with honey. Take 15g of pills per dose on an empty stomach three times daily with warm, boiled water. Today, this formula may be prepared as a decoction with the doses suggested in brackets.

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Tonifies qi and nourishes the blood
• Strengthens the Spleen and nourishes the Heart

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Heart and Spleen deficiencies due to over-thinking and excessive worrying: palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, night sweats, deficiency heat, low appetite, lassitude, a sallow facial complexion, a pale tongue with a thin, white tongue coating, and a fine, moderate pulse.

A deficient Spleen unable to keep the blood circulating within the vessels: hematochezia, scanty or massive uterine bleeding, early menstruation, hypermenorrhea of pale blood, prolonged menstrual period, and thick, white vaginal discharge.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombopenic purpura, allergic purpura, gastric and duodenal ulcer, myasthenia gravis, congestive heart disease, supraventricular tachycardia, insomnia, dizziness, headache, neurasthenia, personality disorders, neurological disorders, menopause, functional endometrorrhagia, uterine bleeding, menstrual bleeding, choroidopathy, hepatitis, addiction, and benzene poisoning.

EXPLANATION

Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) is renowned for treating Heart (blood) and Spleen (qi) deficiencies. The common cause of this syndrome is over-thinking or excessive worrying, which consumes the blood and injures qi. Symptoms of Heart (blood) deficiency include palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia. Symptoms of Spleen (qi) deficiency include low appetite, lassitude, and a sallow facial complexion. A pale tongue with a thin, white tongue coating and a fine, moderate pulse indicate qi and blood deficiencies.

This formula is also indicated for patients in which the Spleen fails to hold blood inside the vessels because of Spleen qi deficiency. Symptoms of bleeding, such as hematochezia, may occur. Women may have symptoms of uterine bleeding, early menstruation, and hypermenorrhea with pale blood and no clots. If the Spleen is deficient and dampness ensues, then thick, white vaginal discharge may occur as a result of dampness descending to the lower parts of the body.

Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), and Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) warm and tonify Spleen qi. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Long Yan Rou (Arillus Longan) nourish the Liver, tonify Heart blood, and regulate blood circulation. Fu Shen (Poria Paradicis), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) and Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) nourish the Heart and calm the shen (spirit). Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) moves qi and prevents the stagnating nature of the tonic herbs from impairing the Spleen and Stomach. Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) and Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) harmonize the middle jiao. In short, this formula nourishes the Heart, strengthens the Spleen, and tonifies both qi and blood.

MODIFICATIONS

• If there is fever, add Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae).
• For insomnia due to fear and fright, add Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis) and Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi).
• With poor appetite, add Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) and Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae).
• With fatigue and decreased intake of food, add Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi) and Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis).
• If there is cough, add Zi Wan (Radix et Rhizoma Asteris) and Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis).
• With the presence of blood during coughing, add Xiao Ji (Herba Cirsii) and Ou Jie (Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis).
• For irregular amount of menstrual bleeding, add Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni) and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis).
• To tonify blood and stop bleeding, add Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata) and E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini).
• For uterine bleeding, add E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini), Ai Ye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi), and Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba).
• If there is profuse menstrual bleeding, add Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae) and E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini).
• For beng lou (flooding and spotting) due to cold and deficiency, add Ai Ye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi), Pao Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Praeparatum), Xue Yu Tan (Crinis Carbonisatus), and Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis).
• For beng lou (flooding and spotting) due to heat, add charred Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) and E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini).

CAUTIONS / CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Gui Pi Tang is contraindicated in cases of interior heat or yin deficiency with a rapid pulse.
• Gui Pi Tang is relatively neutral in property and usually does not produce side effects even with long-term use. However, should one feel dryness (e.g., a dry mouth, dry nose and constipation) after taking this formula, consume diluted salt water to offset the dryness. (i)
• While taking this formula, avoid excessive thinking and worrying, refrain from physical exhaustion, and cease eating foods that are raw and cold in nature. (ii)

PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• Antiulcer: Use of Gui Pi Tang was effective in preventing stress-induced ulcer in mice. The mechanism of action was attributed to the regulatory effect of the herbs on the central nervous system to reduce the production and secretion of gastric acid. (iii)


• Cognitive: Use of Gui Pi Tang was effective in improving cognition in mice with impaired memory due to drugs, electric shock, or aging. (iv)

CLINICAL STUDIES AND RESEARCH

1. Hepatitis: In one report, 9 patients with hepatitis and thrombopenia were treated with modified Gui Pi Tang with recovery in 5 patients (asymptomatic with no recurrence within 2 years), improvement in 2 patients, and no benefit in 2 patients. Most patients began to notice improvement within 14-21 days of treatment. (v)


2. Headache and dizziness: Modified Gui Pi Tang was used with good success to treat 22 patients with headache and dizziness due to intrathecal injection of anesthetics that did not respond to drug treatment. Complete relief of the symptoms was reported in 17 patients within 3 doses, 2 patients within 4-6 doses, and 3 patients within 8-10 doses. (vi)


3. Dizziness: Twenty-five patients with dizziness were treated for an average of 30 days (ranges of 12-60 days) with complete recovery in 12 patients, marked improvement in 8 patients, slight improvement in 4 patients, and no benefit in 1 patient. The overall rate of effectiveness was 96%. The causes of dizziness included neurasthenia, menopause, anemia, and cervical hyperosteogeny. (vii)


4. Neurasthenia: In one study, 200 patients with history of neurasthenia of 2-15 years were treated with modified Gui Pi Tang with good results. The formula used included Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), dry-fried Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae), Yin Chen (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae), dry-fried Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Ling (Poria), Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae), Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), processed Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii), She Xiang (Moschus), Bo He (Herba Menthae), Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae), and Feng Mi (Mel). The treatment protocol was to take 15g of herbs as pills three times daily for 20 days per course of treatment. Out of 200 patients, the study reported recovery in 128 patients (asymptomatic with no recurrence within 1 year), marked effect in 48 patients (asymptomatic with no recurrence within 6 months), slight improvement in 19 patients, and no benefit in 5 patients. The overall rate of effectiveness was 97.5%. (viii) Another study involving 100 patients with neurasthenia reported 91% effectiveness, with improvement such as resolution of tinnitus, fatigue, and insomnia. (ix)


5. Insomnia: In one study, 450 patients with histories of severe insomnia for 7 days to 5 years were treated with modified Gui Pi Tang and acupuncture with good results. The formula used included Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) 15g, Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 15-30g, Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 10-20g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10-20g, Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) 15-25g, Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) 15-25g, Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 15-25g, Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 10g, and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) 10g. Long Dan (Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), and Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) were added for Liver fire; Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) and Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) were added for hot phlegm; Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae), Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae), and Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) were added for yin-deficient heat. The herbs were given as a decoction one time daily. Out of 45 patients, the study reported recovery in 18 patients (over 6 hours of sleep for 2 weeks), marked effect in 10 patients (over 4 hours of sleep for 2 weeks), slight improvement in 7 patients, and no benefit in 5 patients. The overall rate of effectiveness was 87.5%. (x) In another study, modified Gui Pi Tang was used to treat 31 patients with insomnia with an 80.6% rate of effectiveness. In addition to the base formula, modifications included addition of Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi) and Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata) for Heart and Spleen deficiencies; Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) and Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) for yin-deficient fire; and Zhu Ru (Caulis Bambusae in Taenia), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), and Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) for Spleen deficiency with hot phlegm. (xi)


6. Anemia: In one study, 19 patients with anemia due to iron deficiency were treated with 79% effectiveness within one month. (xii) In another study, 20 patients with anemia due to hemorrhage were treated for an average of 24 doses (ranges from 5-49 doses) of decoction with good results. (xiii) Lastly, its effectiveness is documented in patients with compromised kidney functions with anemia and leucopenia. (xiv)


7. Thrombopenic purpura: In one study, 46 patients with primary thrombopenic purpura were treated with modified Gui Pi Tang with good results. The formula included Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 15-30g, Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 10-15g, Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) 10-30g, Ce Bai Ye (Cacumen Platycladi) 15-30g, He Ye (Folium Nelumbinis) 10-15g, dry-fried Huai Hua (Flos Sophorae) 10-15g, Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni) 10-30g, San Qi (Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng) 2-6g given in powder separately, Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae) 30g, E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini) 10-15g dissolved in decoction immediately before ingestion, and Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 10g. The treatment protocol was to administer the herbs in decoction one time daily for one month per course of treatment. The average length of treatment was three courses. Out of 46 patients, the study reported marked effect in 11 patients (asymptomatic with normal platelet count for at least 3 months), improvement in 15 patients (asymptomatic with normal platelet count for at least 2 months), slight improvement in 11 patients (slight subjective and objective improvement) and no benefit in 9 patients. The overall rate of effectiveness was 80.4%. (xv)


8. Menopause: Eighteen patients with menopausal symptoms were treated with excellent results using Gui Pi Tang with addition of Long Gu (Os Draconis) and Mu Li (Concha Ostreae). The duration of treatment was between 6-27 packs of herbs. (xvi)


9. Uterine bleeding: In one report, 11 patients with profuse uterine bleeding characterized by Spleen deficiency were treated with 3-9 doses. The study reported that bleeding stopped in all patients. (xvii) Another study of 135 patients with uterine bleeding reported marked results using Gui Pi Tang. (xviii)


10. Beng lou (flooding and spotting): One study reported 91.3% effectiveness using modified Gui Pi Tang to treat 46 patients with beng lou (flooding and spotting). The modifications included removal of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae), and addition of Xian He Cao (Herba Agrimoniae), Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata), and others as needed. (xix)


11. Choroidopathy: Use of modified Gui Pi Tang in 57 patients with choroidopathy was associated with complete recovery in 35 patients, improvement in 18 patients, and no benefit in 4 patients. The herbal treatment was based on Gui Pi Tang, with the removal of Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) and Long Yan Rou (Arillus Longan), and the addition of Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii), Gu Jing Cao (Flos Eriocauli), Mi Meng Hua (Flos Buddlejae), and others. Modifications were made as follows: for Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies, Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni), Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae), Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan), and Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi) were added, and Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) were removed; and for Liver qi stagnation, Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri), Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) were added, and Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis) and Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) were removed. (xx)


12. Addiction: One study reported good results using Gui Pi Tang as a supportive therapy in individuals with a recent history of substance abuse to control spontaneous perspiration, insomnia, and loss of appetite. The duration of herbal therapy was 3 months. (xxi)


13. Benzene poisoning: Twenty-seven patients with chronic benzene poisoning were treated with good results using modified Gui Pi Tang with the addition of such herbs as Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini), Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae), or Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) as needed. Of 27 patients, the study reported recovery in 6 patients and improvement in 21 patients. (xxii)

AUTHORS’ COMMENTS

• Gui Pi Tang, literally “Restore the Spleen Decoction,” has an important function to tonify qi, generate blood, and restore and normalize transportation and transformation functions of the Spleen. It is vital to ensure that Spleen functions properly, as it is the root of post-natal qi, and the origin of qi and blood.


• Although Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) were not used in the original formulation of Gui Pi Tang, they are generally used today as Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) greatly enhances the effect to tonify blood, and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) strongly increases the efficacy to nourish the Heart and tranquilize the mind.


• Gui Pi Tang is one of the most commonly used formulas for treating Heart (blood) and Spleen (qi) deficiencies. Gui Pi Tang and Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) both nourish and produce blood, as well as treat irregular menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding, and other gynecological disorders. Their differences are as follows:


• Gui Pi Tang mainly strengthens the Spleen and tonifies qi. It also tonifies the blood and nourishes Heart shen (spirit) to treat Spleen and Heart deficiency patterns that manifest in symptoms such as forgetfulness, palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, poor appetite, fatigue, a sallow complexion, a pale tongue with a thin tongue coating, and a fine, moderate pulse. Because the Spleen is responsible for holding blood in the vessels, this formula is effective for uterine bleeding, early menstruation, profuse menstrual bleeding, or trickling of blood due to Spleen deficiency.
• Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) tonifies and moves the blood at the same time. It also treats abdominal pain, restless fetus, postpartum bleeding, and mass accumulation. (xxiii)


• Gui Pi Tang and Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart) both nourish the Heart and calm the shen (spirit) to treat palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia.


• Gui Pi Tang is designed for individuals who worry excessively, leading to qi and blood deficiencies of the Spleen and Heart. Other than shen disturbance signs, patients will exhibit poor appetite, decreased dietary intake, lassitude, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, and other Spleen deficiency signs. In addition to tranquilizing herbs such as Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), Fu Shen (Poria Paradicis), Long Yan Rou (Arillus Longan), and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae), this formula contains Spleen tonic herbs, such as Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), and Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae).
• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan is indicated for disharmony of the Heart and Kidney, with Kidney yin and blood deficiencies unable to nourish the Heart, leading to Heart fire. Besides blood deficiency signs of palpitations, forgetfulness and insomnia, there will be symptoms of Heart fire, such as irritability, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, ulcers on the tongue, and dry stools or constipation. This formula uses herbs that nourish yin and blood and have tranquilizing and calming effects, such as Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), Bai Zi Ren (Semen Platycladi), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae), Tian Dong (Radix Asparagi), and Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis). (xxiv)


• Gui Pi Tang, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Special Pill to Tonify the Heart), and Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) all nourish and calm the shen (spirit) to treat palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and associated symptoms and signs.


• Gui Pi Tang tonifies qi and blood and strengthens the Spleen. The two organs involved are the Spleen and Heart. Symptoms include poor appetite, fatigue, lassitude, possible blood in the stool or uterine bleeding. Gui Pi Tang is suitable for individuals who think and worry excessively, and who have poor appetite.
• Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan nourishes yin and blood to tonify the Heart and calm the shen. Key organs involved are the Heart and Kidney. In addition to shen disturbance signs, symptoms of yin and blood deficiencies include dry stools, a red tongue body with a scanty coating, and a fine, rapid pulse. Most patients who suffer from Heart and Kidney deficiencies are usually older and have the key sign of forgetfulness.
• Suan Zao Ren Tang nourishes the blood, calms the shen, clears heat, and relieves irritability. It treats Liver blood deficiency with flaring of deficiency fire causing shen disturbance. The key organ involved is the Liver, with signs of dizziness, vertigo, irritability, and a fine, wiry pulse. Individuals who tend to have Suan Zao Ren Tang syndrome are mostly women who are under stress for a prolonged period of time and have depleted their Liver blood. (xxv)


• Gui Pi Tang and Gu Jing Wan (Stabilize the Menses Pill) both treat hypermenorrhea and beng lou (flooding and spotting).


• Gui Pi Tang tonifies the Spleen and Heart, and treats menstrual bleeding that is light in color. It is most suitable for individuals with qi and blood deficiencies, with accompanying symptoms such as weakness, poor appetite, insomnia, and palpitations.
• Gu Jing Wan nourishes yin, clears heat, and treats excessive menstrual bleeding that is dark red in color, with or without clots. The tongue body is red and the pulse is wiry, rapid. (xxvi)


• Gui Pi Tang and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) both use Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), and Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) to tonify qi and strengthen the Spleen. The difference is:


• The other herbs in Gui Pi Tang focus on nourishing the shen (spirit) and tonifying the blood. This formula is mainly used for shen disturbance or bleeding.
• The other herbs in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang lift yang and treat prolapse. This formula is mainly used for qi deficiency leading to organ prolapse.

REFERENCES
(i) Zhong Yao Ming Fang Yao Li Yu Ying Yong (Pharmacology and Applications of Famous Herbal Formulas) 1989;285-286.
(ii) Zhong Yao Ming Fang Yao Li Yu Ying Yong (Pharmacology and Applications of Famous Herbal Formulas) 1989;285-286.
(iii) Tian Jin Zhong Yi (Tianjin Chinese Medicine) 1995;4:28.
(iv) Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Lin Chuang (Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Chinese Herbs) 1990;6(5):2.
(v) Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1985;5:32.
(vi) Hu Bei Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Hubei Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1984;2:19.
(vii) Yun Nan Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Yunan Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1994;15(1):21.
(viii) Zhong Yi Yao Xin Xi (Information on Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1995;12(5):39.
(ix) He Bei Zhong Yi (Hebei Chinese Medicine) 1987;2:34.
(x) Zhong Yi Yao Xin Xi (Information on Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1995;12(4):39.
(xi) Fu Jian Zhong Yi Yao (Fujian Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1996;6:16.
(xii) Zhong Cheng Yao Yan Jiu (Research of Chinese Patent Medicine) 1987;5:20.
(xiii) Shan Xi Zhong Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao (Journal of Shanxi University School of Chinese Medicine) 1988;1:29.
(xiv) Guo Wai Yi Yao Zhi Wu Yao Fen Ce (Monograph of Foreign Botanical Medicine) 1993;15(3):44.
(xv) Bei Jing Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Beijing Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1993;3:227.
(xvi) Shang Hai Zhong Yi Yao Za Zhi (Shanghai Journal of Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1985;5:31.
(xvii) Jiang Xi Zhong Yi Yao (Jiangxi Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1959;3:14.
(xviii) Jiang Xi Zhong Yi Yao (Jiangxi Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1969;3:14.
(xix) Nan Jing Zhong Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao (Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1988;2:26.
(xx) Shi Yong Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Journal of Practical Chinese Medicine) 1997;6:5.
(xxi) Hu Nan Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Hunan Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1998;3:25.
(xxii) Hu Bei Zhong Yi Za Zhi (Hubei Journal of Chinese Medicine) 1987;6:18.
(xxiii) Wang MZ, et al. Zhong Yi Xue Wen Da Ti Ku (Questions and Answers on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Formulas).
(xxiv) Wang MZ, et al. Zhong Yi Xue Wen Da Ti Ku (Questions and Answers on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Formulas).
(xxv) Wang MZ, et al. Zhong Yi Xue Wen Da Ti Ku (Questions and Answers on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Formulas).
(xxvi) Wang MZ, et al. Zhong Yi Xue Wen Da Ti Ku (Questions and Answers on Traditional Chinese Medicine: Herbal Formulas).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John K. Chen, L.Ac., Pharm.D., O.M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority in both western pharmacology and Chinese Herbal Medicine.  He teaches at the USC School of Pharmacy, Emperor’s College, Yo San University of TCM, OCOM, Five Branches, AOMA and ACTCM. Dr. Chen’s most recent published work is Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (2003, AOM Press) and Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications (2008, AOM Press) for which he was lead author.

This article was taken out of Dr. Chen’s book Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications.
To order a copy, click here.

To learn more about herbs, John Chen is speaking on the following topic for Lotus Institute. This class is approved for 8 CEUs/PDAs by the California Acupuncture Board and NCCAOM.

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