RX

Hong Jin Tian (Herba Rhodiolae Roseae)
Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)
Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae)
Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis)
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae) 
Ci Ji Li (Fructus Tribuli Terrestris) 
Tian Ma Mi Huan Jun (Armillaria) 
Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi) 
Fu Ling (Poria) 
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Albae)
Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae)

FORMULA EXPLANATION

In Chinese medical textbooks, hypertension is predominantly associated with ascendant liver yang hyperactivity. However, many patients with hypertension have very few symptoms. Typically, the blood pressure must be quite high before high blood pressure becomes symptomatic. Nonetheless, blood pressure tends to rise with age and many patients suffer from asymptomatic hypertension. Further, in real life, most hypertension patients manifest complex combinations of vacuity and repletion. According to Li Dong-yuan’s yin fire theory, spleen qi vacuity may result in ascendant liver yang hyperactivity or, at the very least, coexist with such hyperactivity. In that case, simply downbearing yang with heavy, yangsubduing, counterflow-downbearing medicinals (such as Os Draconis, Long Gu, Concha Ostreae, Mu Li, Concha Haliotidis, Shi Jue Ming, and Haemititum, Dai Zhe Shi) may actually work against the successful lowering of the blood pressure. According to Wang Mao-song, in those cases, one must upbear the clear yang at the same time as clearing the liver and extinguishing wind. Upbearing of the clear yang is generally accomplished by combining one of more spleen-fortifying medicinals with one or more acrid, exterior-resolving medicinals. Because the qi mechanism’s upbearing and downbearing are reflexive and depression leads to heat and hyperactivity, upbearing of the clear leads to downbearing of the turbid, resolution of depression, and clearing of heat via out-thrusting. 60 Capsules, 500 mg each.

Within this formula, Huang Qi, and Tai Zi Shen fortify the spleen and supplement the qi, while Ge Gen acridly upbears clear yang. Tai Zi Shen and Ge Gen both engender fluids, so that acrid upbearing and out-thrusting does not damage fluids and lead to even further yin vacuity loss of control over yang. Suan Zao Ren and Bai Shao nourish liver blood, emolliate and relax the liver, and quiet the spirit. Gou Teng, Tian Ma, and Bai Ji Li level the liver and extinguish wind. Gou Teng and Ju Hua clear the liver and drain heat. Fu Ling fortifies the spleen, leads yang downward into the yin tract (via urination), and quiets the spirit, Sheng Ma helps Ge Gen upbear clear yang while also clearing heat from the stomach, and Dan Shen and Hong Jing Tian quicken and nourish the blood and eliminates vexation.

According to Traditional Chinese Treatment for Hypertension by Hou Jing-lun et al. (Academy Press, Beijing, 195), Gou Teng, Tian Ma, Ju Hua, Ge Gen, Sheng Ma, Bai Shao, Suan Zao Ren, and Bai Ji Li a r e all known to lower blood pressure. Hong Jing Ti a n has also been shown to lower blood pressure at the same time as strengthening and improving heart function. Suan Zao Ren and Dan Shen are known to be effective for treating arrhythmias, and many patients with hypertension also suffer from arrhythmias. According to Yan De-xin, all chronic diseases associated with aging involve at least an element of blood stasis, and hypertension is just such a disease. This also explains the presence of Dan Shen and Hong Jing Tian.

COMBINATIONS

If there is more marked liver blood-kidney yin vacuity, this formula may be combined with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium & Chrysanthemum Rehmannia Pills). If there is yin vacuity-fire effulgence, it may be combined with Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena & Phellodendron Rehmannia Pills). If there is concomitant constipation, it may be combined with Blue Poppy Herbs’ Free the Flow. If heart palpitations are more severe due to nonconstruction and malnourishment of the heart spirit complicated by phlegm heat, it may be combined with Blue Poppy Herbs’ 11 Flavors Warm the Gallbladder. If hypertension is due to chong and ren disharmony associated with perimenopausal syndrome, it may be combined with Blue Poppy Herbs’ Ultimate Immortals. If blood stasis in the chest is more pronounced causing chest impediment symptoms, it may be combined with Dan Shen Yin Wan (Salvia Drink Pills, a.k.a. Salvia Teapills). If phlegm turbidity is more, it may be combined with Er Chen Wan (Two Aged [Ingredients] Pills).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF QI VACUITY INCLUDE

• Fatigue

• Lack of strength

• A swollen tongue with teeth-marks on its edges

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF YIN BLOOD VACUITY INCLUDE

• Grey hair

• Dry skin

• Brittle nails

• Poor night vision

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASCENDANT LIVER YANG HYPERACTIVITY INCLUDE

• Headache

• Dizziness

• A bowstring, surging pulse

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INTERNALLY STIRRING WIND INCLUDE

• Tics

• Tremors

• A tendency to shiver or shake under stress

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LIVER HEAT INCLUDE

• Red eyes

• A tendency to shiver or shake under stress

• Irritability

• A red tongue (tip and/or sides)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BLOOD STASIS INCLUDE

• Static spots or macules on the tongue

• Spider nevi

• Distended, engorged sublingual veins

• Varicose veins

• Cherry hemangiomas

• Black spots or lines in the visual field

DOSAGE

Three capsules two times per day equal not less than 30g of raw medicinals. However, because our extraction process is so much more efficient than stovetop decoction, we believe that this amount of our extract is actually more like the equivalent of40-60g of bulk-dispensed herbs.

MY PATIENT DOES HAVE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF

Qi vacuity    Yes    No
Yin-blood vacuity    Yes    No
Ascendant liver yang hyperactivity    Yes    No
Liver he