- Bai Shao and Chai Hu are included to regulate and pacify the Liver. The original text
says that when the Liver is pacified the Minister-Fire (which produces Empty-Heat in the
Heart) is subdued and cannot agitate the Fire of the Pericardium. Thus, acting on the
Liver with these two herbs will help the Pericardium to which the Liver is related within
the Terminal Yin. Please note the minute dosage of Chai Hu (1.5g). - Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi nourish and transform the Original Qi and nourish Yin.
- Suan Zao Ren and Ju Hua comfort Heart-Qi and make it communicate with
Kidney-Water. Both these herbs are moistening and nourishing and they relieve dryness
and "bitterness". "Bitterness" is intended here on two levels: on a physical level, they will
relieve the bitter taste associated with Heat, and on a mental level, they will soothe the
Mind when it is embittered by emotional strain.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
This is almost the same as for the previous formula, except that the emphasis is on Yin
deficiency with the consequent depression and lack of will-power. Also, because of its emphasis
on the Liver, it is suitable for mental-emotional problems deriving from resentment and
bitterness harboured for many years.
Patent Remedy
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
(Heavenly Emperor's Tonifying the Heart Pill)
This very well-known patent remedy has the same ingredients and indications as the prescription
of the same name. It should be noted that some of the pills on sale are coated with cinnabar (Zhu
Sha) which is toxic and should be used only for a few weeks; pills which are of a reddish colour
have most probably been coated with cinnabar.
Case History 9.6
Mental-Emotional Problems: Heart- and Kidney-Yin Deficiency with
Empty-Heat-Female, Age 52
A 52-year-old woman sought treatment for persistent night sweating and hot flushes. She also
complained of abdominal distension and water retention. Her periods had stopped the year
before and she had been worse since then. Apart from the above symptoms, she often felt
anxious in the evening and experienced palpitations. Her sleep was disturbed by the hot flushes
and she felt mentally restless. She was overweight, her cheek-bones were slightly red and her
eyes had no glitter and looked scared.