Description
The Chinese name Shi Quan Da Bu Tang literally means “all-inclusive great tonifying decoction” or “ten complete tonic decoction.” This classical formula powerfully tonifies Qi and blood and also warms the Yang. It is traditionally used for lack of energy, lack of physical strength, pale face, low appetite, aversion to cold, spontaneous perspiration, or weakness of the lower extremities.
The original source of the formula Shi Quan Da Bu Wan can be traced back to the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era. Today it remains an important tool used for the treatment of patterns of predominant Qi and blood deficiency with moderate Yang deficiency or cold.
Subjects may present with a pale tongue with a white coating. The pulse may be thin, weak and slow.
Shi Quan Da Bu Pian is based on the classical formula Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction) with the addition of Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark). Ba Zhen Tang itself is a combination of the classical formulas Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentleman Decoction) and Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) which are the flagship Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to tonify Qi and blood, respectively.
Ren Shen (Ginseng) is traditionally the chief herb of both Ba Zhen Tang and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, however today Dang Shen (Codonopsis root) is usually substituted at around 2-3 times the dose. While Dang Shen, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria) and Gan Cao(Licorice) tonify the Qi, Shu Di Huang (processed Rehmannia root), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica root), Bai Shao (white Peony root) and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage rhizome) nourish and gently move the blood.
Because chronic or profound Qi deficiency often presents with concurrent Yang deficiency cold, Shi Quan Da Bu Pian is modified with the addition of Huang Qi and Rou Gui. Huang Qi is a prized Chinese herb for its ability to support immune function by tonifying Lung and Spleen Qi, consolidating the exterior and raising Yang.
Rou Gui is effective at warming Yang and dispelling cold. These modifications make Shi Quan Da Bu Pian an indispensable supplement in the TCM treatment of patients with cold deficiency patterns to restore vitality and optimum health.
