Compassionate Sage

This is the traditional formula for someone who has the potential for friendliness, humbleness, charm and clarity, but instead lives in a state of frivolousness, envy, vanity, forgetfulness and muddledness. This preparation is concerned with that part of the Fire element’s power that is clear, makes its presence felt and enlightens the outer environment and inner world.

Compassionate Sage acts on that aspect of our lives that is distinctly human. It affects what the Chinese call Shen or Spirit. The Spirit is what is outgoing, advancing and connects to life; it centers us and allows us to reach out. It allows affinity and clarity, and when it is not nourished properly we can become scattered and lose our sensitivity. The “style of government” of the Fire organ, according to old Chinese texts, is enlightened and compassionate. Our Compassionate Sage preparation adds deep sympathy and lucidity to how we sense the universe and ourselves; it is designed to help one compassionately embrace the cosmos and the self.

PHYSICAL INDICATIONS

Compassionate Sage is the most important formula for occasional insomnia. The Chinese speak of the Heart as storing the Spirit (Shen). When the Spirit is stored properly, sleep is restorative. When it’s not, sleep can be restless or distressed by unsettling dreams. Whether one is unable to fall asleep, is awakened during the night or arises too early, Compassionate Sage may be used to strengthen and calm the Spirit. Also, when the heart occasionally beats out of control or there is a sensation of palpitation, this Heart-nourishing pill may be the formula of choice. Sweating related to anxiousness and discomfort in one’s environment is another indication for this preparation.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Dragon bone is calcified animal bone unearthed from the soil (no animal is slaughtered or harmed by its use). This bone is said to impart a strength of clarity and purpose, and helps sink scatteredness and spaciness. It is also used frequently for restlessness and occasional insomnia. It gives the body support and is said to help “hold things in their place.” It is sweet, astringent and neutral in temperature, and enters the Heart, Liver and Kidney meridians.

Dry fried Sour jujube seed is an important herb that helps to focus and concentrate the Spirit of the Heart. It also nourishes what the Chinese call the “Non-corporeal soul” (Hun) of the Liver. This is the most common herb used when the Blood is unable to nourish the vital forces of the Heart or Liver, and creates such disruptions as occasional irritability, insomnia, restlessness, unclarity, muddledness, timidity and absentmindedness. It is sweet, sour and gentle, and enters the Heart, Spleen, Liver and Gallbladder meridians.

Polygala root is used for occasional forgetfulness, anxiety and palpitations. It nourishes the Spirit (Shen), and the Chinese say it also helps prevent the Spirit from getting “stuck.” It is bitter, spicy and warm, and enters the Lung, Heart and Kidney meridians.

Biota Seed is an important Heart-calming herb. It is sweet, acrid and neutral in temperature, and enters the Heart, Liver and Kidney meridians.

Poria calms the Spirit (Shen) and strengthens the Middle. It is sweet and neutral in temperature, and enters the Spleen, Stomach, Heart, Lung and Kidney meridians.

White Asian ginseng root and rhizome supplements the Ancestral (Yuan) Qi, strengthens the Spleen-Stomach, helps engender Blood and quiets the Spirit (Shen). It is sweet, bitter and warm, and enters the Spleen, Lung and Kidney meridians.

Altaica rhizome is an aromatic herb that is said to support mental and emotional functioning. It belongs to the category of herbs that opens the connective functions of the body and is used especially for occasional mental slowness or an unclear mind. Altaica rhizome is also used for occasional dizziness and hearing difficulties due to obstructed movement of clear energy. It is bitter, spicy and warm, and enters the Heart and Liver meridians.

Longan aril is a delicious, edible fruit. It nourishes the Blood (which affects the Spirit) and is commonly used for occasional insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitation and fatigue. It is sweet and warm, and enters the Heart and Spleen meridians.

Chinese salvia root and rhizome is an important Blood-moving herb that is also used for occasional insomnia or irritability. It is bitter and slightly cold, and enters the Heart and Pericardium meridians.

Silk tree bark is used for calming the Spirit (Shen) and for occasional insomnia. It is sweet and gentle, and enters the Heart, Spleen and Stomach meridians.

Amber resin is an important substance that sinks “spaciness” and helps focus the mind. It has many uses in the Chinese pharmacopeia, and in this formula it is used to insure clarity of mind and sharpness of focus. It is sweet and neutral in temperature, and enters the Heart, Liver and Bladder meridians.

Coptis rhizome clears occasional agitation, anxiety and irritability lodged in the Heart meridian. It returns the Heart Fire to its center. It is bitter and cold, and enters the Heart, Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach and Small Intestine meridians.

Dong quai root is the most crucial Blood-nourishing herb in the Chinese Materia Medica. In this formula, it helps tonify the Blood so that the Spirit (Shen) can become strong. It is sweet, spicy, bitter and warm, and enters the Liver, Heart and Spleen meridians.

Reishi fruiting body is the famous tonic mushroom of China. It plays many roles in Chinese legend and life. The Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica (c. 150 A.D.) says it “benefits Heart Qi, tonifies the Middle Burner and increases insight and intelligence.” It is sweet and neutral in temperature, and enters the Heart, Liver and Lung meridians.

Chinese licorice root and rhizome harmonizes the flavors and aids absorption. It is sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.