This formula, also known as Ren Shen Yang Ying Tang (Ginseng Formula to Nourish the Nutritive Qi), was first recorded in the Imperial Benevolence Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (tai ping sheng hui fang) 1078 -85. It is indicated for ‘General Debility’ (xu lao) type disorders (also referred to as ‘consumption’), due to deficiency of the Qi and Blood. The formula is based on a combination of Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Major Herbs Formula) and Si Wu Tang (Dang-gui Four Combination); the former being the representative Qi tonic formula and the latter is the representative Blood tonic formula. The additional herbs reinforce these functions:
In addition, Schisandra chinensis (wu wei zi) and Polygala sibirica (yuan zhi) calm the Spirit to alleviate anxiety and promote sound sleep. This is an important aspect of treatment in patients who feel overwhelmed due to their lack of sufficient energy to adequately deal with the responsibilities of daily life.
This formula is a rapidly acting tonic that promotes energy and endurance as well as improved sleep. Generally, clinical results are apparent with the first two weeks of treatment.