Xuan Fu Hua Tang

Xuan Fu Hua Tang (Inula Decoction), from Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (c. 220).

Actions: Unblocks the yang; Expands the chest; Dredges stasis; Transforms clumps

Indications: A sensation of fullness, distention, or even pain in the chest that is improved with massage. When nonsymptomatic, the patient prefers to drink warm beverages. The pulse is wiry and large. The formula is also used to treat uterine bleeding during the second half of pregnancy.

Pattern: Liver fixation: qi obstruction in the chest causing superficial blood stasis in the collaterals

Modifications:

• Coughing of blood: Add Agrimoniae Herba (xian he cao), Asini Corii Colla (e jiao), Notoginseng Radix (san qi), and Bletillae Rhizoma (bai ji)
• Nausea and vomiting: Add Bambusae Caulis in taeniam (zhu ru) and Phragmitis Rhizoma (lu gen)
• Pain and distention: Add Curcumae Radix (yu jin), Citri reticulatae Vascular (ju luo), Linderae Radix (wu yao), Aspongopus (jiu xiang chong), and Arecae Semen (bing lang)
• Cold obstructing chest qi and preventing yang from rising: Add Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum (zhi ban xia) and Allii macrostemi Bulbus (xie bai)
• Long-term constraint turning to heat: Add Trichosanthis Pericarpium (gua lou pi) and Houttuyniae Herba (yu xing cao)

Commentary: Treats stasis in the collaterals rooted in yang qi constraint in the chest; Ye Tian-Shi used it as a model for acrid, warming but non-drying treatment of chronic collateral stasis. The identity of 'new crimson' is debated.

Category: Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis.

Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 575.

Decoction. 'New crimson' is now most commonly taken to mean Rubiae Radix (qian cao gen) at 6-9g.