This formula was first recorded in the 'Formulas to Benefit Life' (ji sheng fang), a work in 10 volumes by Yan Yong-he, 1253 CE, which covers internal medicine, gynecology and surgery. The formula was originally used for the combined symptoms of palpitations, anxiety and forgetfulness due to the effects of prolonged worrying or excessive mental activity, which has injured both the Spleen and Heart. This is because the Spleen is the seat of the capacity for ideation (yi), while the Heart is the seat of the psyche (shen). Thus, excessive mental activity puts a strain upon the Spleen Qi as well as the Heart Blood.
Heart-Spleen Qi-Blood deficiency is a commonly occurring syndrome that may arise due to inadequate care during the recovery phase of an illness, chronic blood loss, excessive worry, anxiety or mental work, dietary irregularities and overstrain. It frequently occurs in students due to the stress of examinations as well as in athletes due to overtraining. The clinical indicators for this formula include Heart specific symptoms (insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, thready pulse, etc.) and Spleen specific symptoms (fatigue, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, weak pulse, etc.).
In contrast to QI & BLOOD TONIC 2 Formula (CM165), this formula has a significant calming action on the Spirit. Thus, it is more suitable for patients with Qi and Blood deficiency who present with insomnia, anxiety or depressed mood. In addition, it specifically restores the Spleen's function of 'controlling the Blood' so that it remains within the vessels. Thus, it may be used for various types of abnormal bleeding due to Spleen Qi deficiency, e.g. easy bruising, thrombocytopenic purpura and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
TCM ACTIONS
Tonifies the Qi and strengthens the Spleen, nourishes the Heart Blood and calms the Spirit.
TCM SYNDROMES
- Spleen Qi deficiency
- Heart Blood deficiency
INDICATIONS
Mood disorders including anxiety and depression, neurasthenia, insomnia, post-concussion syndrome, anaemia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombocytopenia due to hepatitis, bleeding peptic ulcers, amenorrhoea, infertility, menopausal syndrome, pyrexia of unknown origin, easy bruising, ecchymoses.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)
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Fatigue, muscular weakness
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Poor appetite
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Palpitations
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Dream-disturbed sleep or insomnia
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Pale complexion
- Forgetfulness, poor concentration and memory
- Postural dizziness
- Easy bruising, ecchymoses
- Timidity, fearfulness, withdrawal
- Anxiety, phobias or panic attacks
- Low grade fever
- Early menstruation with profuse pale flow
- Menorrhagia
- Pale tongue with a thin white coat
- Thready and weak pulse
