八珍湯 Ba Jen Tang, Eight treasure tonic

八珍湯 Ba Jen Tang, Eight treasure tonic

This formula it a combination of “Si Wu Tang四物湯” and “Si Jun Zi Tang四君子湯”, very good blood and qi tonic. So might be a good tonic after menses. In general, after the period finished(no bleeding anymore), take for 7 to 10 days. Because this tonic not just tonifying blood but also regulate blood, it should not be taken during period, otherwise will cause too much bleeding.

This soup can be take along, but I like to use this formula to make chicken soup. It’s got strong flavor, so it would be better to start with smaller amount.

1.人參或黨參 Ren Shen or Dang Shen 3 qian: Qi tonic.

2.白朮 Bai Zhu 3 qian: Harmonize blood

3.茯苓 Fu Ling 3 qian: Strengthen the spleen, leaches dampness.

4.當歸 Dang Gui 3 qian: Blood tonic, harmonize blood.

5.熟地黃 Shou Di Huang 3 qian: Nourish Yin and blood.

6.白芍 Bai Shao 3 qian: Harmonize blood.

7.川芎二錢Chuan Xiong 2 qian: Invigorate blood, move qi.

8.甘草 Gan Cao 1.5 qian錢半: Strengthen the middle, harmonize stomach.

9.紅棗Hong Zao 2 qian二錢: Strengthen spleen.

10.生薑Shen Jiang 3 piece三片

Besides these four herbs, you can also add some “Gou Qi Zi枸杞子” for better flavor also tonify the Liver, adding some sweetness, or even some Qi tonic herbs such as “Huang Qi黃耆”. And of course this formula can be adjusted for individual constitution.

Herb Note:

地黃Di Huang:There are 2 kinds of “Di Huang地黃”, one is raw(“Sheng Di Huang生地黃” or “Sheng Di”), another is roasted(“Sho Di Huang熟地黃”, or “Sho Di”). For those who tend to run cold, cold hands/feet, or deficiency type, use roasted(“Sho Di Huang”, or “Sho Di”). For those who with deficient heat, dry mouth, thirsty or gets acne with period, use raw(“Sheng Di Huang” or “Sheng Di”). Raw(“Sheng Di Huang” or “Sheng Di”) is often classified in clear heat/cool blood category, and it also nourish Yin, generates fluid, cool ascending heart fire. While roasted(“Sho Di Huang”, or “Sho Di”) is classified as herbs that tonify blood.