(One Link Decoction)

This formula comes from Wei Zhi-xiu’s Qing dynasty Xu Ming Yi Lei An (Continuation of Famous Physicians’ Organized Cases). Our version is a 10:1 powdered extract in 500mg gelatin capsules.

Rx:

Functions:
Nourishes and enriches liver blood and kidney yin at the same time as it courses the liver and rectifies the qi

Indications:
Liver blood-kidney ytin vacuity with concomitant liver depression qi stagnation manifesting as chest and rib-side pain, stomach duct distention and fullness, dry, parched mouth and throat, acid regurgitation, chronic hepatitis, hepato- and/or splenomegaly, liver cirrhosis, menstrual irregularities, perimenopausal syndrome, etc.

Contraindications:
This formula should not be used for distention and pain due to phlegm or dampness.

Signs & symptoms of liver blood vacuity include:

• Pale skin, lips, inner eyelids, tongue

• Muscle cramps, especially at night

• Night-blindness

• Scanty menstruation

• Prematurely grey hair

Signs & symptoms of kidney yin vacuity include:

• Low back and knee soreness and limpness

• Tinnitus

• Dizziness

• Frequent but scanty urination

• Nocturia

• A red tongue with scanty fur

• A fine pulse

Signs & symptoms of liver depression qi stagnation include:

• Irritability

• A bowstring pulse

• Breast and/or rib-side distention and pain

• Menstrual irregularities

Formula explanation:
Within this formula, Sheng Di, Gou Qi Zi, and Dang Gui nourish liver blood and enrich kidney yin. She Shen and Mai Men Dong also enrich yin and engender fluids, remembering that blood and fluids share a common source and that blood and essence share a common source. Chuan Lian Zi courses the liver and rectifies the qi without plundering yin.

Dosage
Three capsules two times per day equal not less than 30 grams of bulk medicinals. However, because our extraction process is so much more efficient than stove-top decoction, we believe this amount of extract is actually more like the equivalent of 45-60 grams of bulk-dispensed herbs.