Dong Quai and Anemarrhena
Dang gui nian tong tang
Kan Traditionals
Resolves Dampness, clears Heat, dispels Wind, invigorates and supplements Blood, supplements Spleen Qi, relieves Liver Qi stagnation.
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- Herb: Notopterygium root and rhizome, Chinese skullcap root, Capillaris herb, Chinese licorice root and rhizome, White atractylodes rhizome, Siler root, Asian water plantain rhizome, Anemarrhena rhizome, Polyporus sclerotium, Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome, Dong quai root, Kudzu root, White Asian ginseng root and rhizome, Shrubby sophora root, Cimicifuga rhizome
- Herb (Pinyin): Qiang huo, Huang qin, Yin chen hao, Gan cao, Bai zhu, Fang feng, Ze xie, Zhi mu, Zhu ling, Cang zhu, Dang gui shen, Ge gen, Bai ren shen, Ku shen, Sheng ma
- Pattern: Spleen Qi deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency and/or Blood stasis with Wind Heat Damp invasion, Wind Damp Heat Bi
- Actions: Dispels Wind, Clear Heat, Resolves Dampness, Nourish and Regulate Blood, Regulate Liver Qi, Tonify Spleen Qi
- Indications: Supports healthy digestion, Supports healthy joints, Assists with general Damp Heat patterns which affect the joints, Occasional heavy sensation in the shoulders and back, Irritablity
- Contraindications: Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Tongue: Red with sticky yellow coat, dark or purple spots.
- Pulse: Rapid, wiry, slippery and/or choppy.
Dong Quai and Anemarrhena is a faithful rendition of the classical formula Tangkuei Decoction to Pry Out Stagnation (Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang), to drain Damp, vent Heat, dispel Wind and disperse constraint. It is indicated for Damp Heat, with a concurrent Wind invasion pattern, with stagnation lodged in the joints and the muscle, that is aggravated by hot, humid weather. Wind and Damp Heat can flow over into the channels, collaterals and joints, obstructing the free flow of Qi and Blood. Damp Heat can flow down to lodge in the legs and can result in Leg Qi, and can cause the Blood to stagnate in the collaterals of the muscle and skin.
Dong Quai and Anemarrhena also has a supplementing action, which follows the concept that Damp Heat patterns usually appear with an underlying Spleen Qi deficiency, allowing Dampness to settle and accumulate. Li Dong-Yuan, the author of this formula, was the founder of the Spleen/Stomach School of the Jin-Yuan Dynasty. Dr. Li proposed that a weakening of the Qi transformation associated with the Spleen, Stomach and Triple Burner leads to an accumulation of Dampness in the Interior.
According to Liu Wan-Su’s Theory of Similar Transformation, accumulations in the body eventually transform into Heat, so Damp accumulation will eventually lead to Damp Heat, which Capillaris herb successfully clears. Accumulations of Dampness will also aggravate Blood stasis. Dong quai root is important in this formula for its Blood nourishing and Blood regulating properties.
Heat clearing herbs include Cimicifuga rhizome and Anemarrhena rhizome, which also drain Fire, and Kudzu root which releases the muscles and nourishes fluids. Wind is dispelled by the inclusion of herbs such as Notopterygium root and rhizome which disperses Cold and unblocks Bi Stagnation, and Siler root, which expels Wind Damp. Chinese licorice root and rhizome tonifies the Spleen, clears Heat and harmonizes the other herbs found in the formula.
White Asian ginseng root and rhizome and two types of Atractylodes rhizome (Cang zhu and Bai zhu), are included to supplement the Spleen Qi. To address the Dampness resulting from lingering Spleen deficiency, herbs to dry Dampness are included, such as Chinese skullcap root and Shrubby sophora root. To encourage the elimination of Damp, herbs which transform Damp and support healthy urination, such as Asian water plantain rhizome and Polyporus sclerotium, are also key elements.
If further Spleen Qi support is needed, combine with Shen Ling Spleen Support or Six Gentlemen.
ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secret Collection of the Orchid Chamber) Li Dong-Yuan 1336.