The basis for this formula is Su He Sheng Di Tang (Perilla, Mentha & Uncooked Rehmannia Decoction) as found in the Qing dynasty book, Yan Fang Xin Bian (A New Compilation of Tested Formulas) published in 1846. This has then been modified based on a combination of Heiner Fruehauf’s published research and Bob Flaws’s clinical experience. This formula is also based, in part, on the rationales for Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Drain the Heart Decoction), Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi), and Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder). Our version is a 10:1 extract.

Rx
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Albae)
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
Fu Ling (Poria)
mix-fried Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis)
Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsitis)
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori)
Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)
Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae)
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)
Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae)
Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)
Bo He (Herba Menthae Hapbealycis)
Wu Mei (Fructus Mume)
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
 

Indications
This formula is for spleen qi vacuity with stomach and intestinal dampness and heat complicated by liver depression, stomach fluid dryness, and heart qi and blood vacuity. In terms of disease indications, it treats gu parasites with abdominal distention, loose stools or diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Patients with this scenario have usually been diagnosed as suffering from intestinal parasites, intestinal dysbiosis, candidiasis, leaky gut syndrome, food allergies, and/or hypoglycemia. They may have irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ME, or chronic allergic rhinitis/sinusitis.

The signs and symptoms of spleen qi vacuity include:

• fatigue, especially after eating

• easy bruising

• abdominal bloating after eating

• a swollen tongue with teeth marks on its edges

• a tendency to loose stools but possibly constipation

• cold hands and feet

• a fine pulse which is often soggy or soft in the right bar position

• lack of strength in the four extremities

• dizziness when standing up

The signs and symptoms of stomach and intestine damp heat include:

• hot, acid stools or anal burning after defecation

• loose stools or diarrhea which is either very dark or bright yellow in color

• foul-smelling, possibly explosive stools accompanied by tenesmus

• slimy, yellow fur on the root of the tongue

• a slippery, rapid pulse

The signs and symptoms of liver depression include:

• premenstrual or menstrual lower

• irritability

• abdominal distention

• a bowstring pulse

• lower abdominal cramping

• worsening of symptoms due to emotional stress or upsetment

• premenstrual breast distention and pain

The signs and symptoms of stomach fluid dryness include:

• thirst with a desire for chilled drinks

• dry or scanty tongue fur

• a dry mouth and throat

• possible patches of peeled tongue fur

• possible chapped lips

The signs and symptoms of heart qi and blood vacuity include:
 

• insomnia

• lassitude of the spirit

• disquieted spirit

• heart palpitations

• vexation and agitation

• a swollen tongue with a crack or crease down its center reaching to the tip

• impaired memory

Combinations
If there is constipation, this formula can be combined with Da Huang Jiang Zhi Wan (Rhubarb Lower Fat Pills). If there is stomach and intestinal heat and/or heart-stomach fire, it can be combined with Huang Lian Su Wan (Coptis Simple Pills). If there is concomitant kidney yang vacuity, then this formula may be combined with Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pills). This formula can also be combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang Wan (Minor Bupleurum Decoction Pills), Xiao Yao Wan (Rambling Pills), Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Added Flavors Rambling Pills, a.k.a. Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan, Moutan & Gardenia Rambling Pills), Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang (Pinellia Drain the Heart Decoction, i.e., Pills), or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Pills) in order to emphasize those aspects and functions of this formula which are similar to those.

Formula explanation
Forsythia and Scutellaria clear heat and resolves toxins but without damaging the spleen. Mix-fried Licorice, Astragalus, and Codonopsis all supplement the spleen and heart qi, thus quieting the spirit by nourishing it. Dang Gui, Polygonum Multiflorum, and Peony all nourish the blood and moisten dryness, harmonizing and emolliating the liver. Pinellia harmonizes the stomach, eliminates dampness, and transforms phlegm. Poria seeps dampness at the same time as it helps supplement the heart and spleen and quiet the spirit. Ophiopogon engenders fluids, nourishes stomach, lung, and heart yin, clears heat from those same viscera and bowels, and transforms phlegm. Citrus harmonizes the stomach and downbears counterflow, thus rectifying the qi. It also aids Pinellia and Poria in eliminating dampness and transforming phlegm. Mume aids Ophiopogon in engendering fluids. However, it also has a pronounced and specific effect of killing worms or parasites. This effect seems to be strengthened even more when Mume is combined with Perilla. This is an exterior-resolver, but that classification does not begin to do justice to this often overlooked medicinal. According to gu parasite theory, Perilla has a strong gu-killing, toxin-resolving effect which should not be underestimated. Mentha is acrid and warm is also an exterior-resolver. It courses the liver, clears heat, and resolves depression. According to gu parasite theory, it also is a specific for gu conditions. Likewise, so is Angelica Dahurica. It too is an exterior-resolver which is often not fully understood or appreciated by rank and file Chinese medical practitioners. Although it is described as being acrid and warm, nevertheless, it does treat damp heat conditions, such as intestinal damp heat, vaginal tract damp heat, and damp heat in the sinuses.
 

To get the most out of this treatment, the patient also needs to adhere to a yeast-free, sugar-free, clear bland diet for at least three months and better for 6-12 months.

Dosage
Three capsules two times per day equal not less than 30g of raw medicinals. However, because our extraction process is far more efficient than stove-top decoction, we believe that this amount of extract is actually more like the equivalent of 40-60g of a bulk-dispensed herbs.

Note
This formula is not the same as described in Heiner Fruehauf’s essay on gu parasites discussed by Bob Flaws. Although that formula is also called Jia Jian Su He Tang in Chinese, its ingredients are different. Since jia jian simply means additions and subtractions or modifications, depending on what was added or subtracted, there could be an almost infinite number of modifications of this formula.