Posted by Hombre on May 23, 2010, at 23:00:21
I have been experimenting with some commonly available Chinese patent herb formulas to supplement my medication and vitamin regimen. I am lucky in that they are available locally and at about $2 per ~8 day supply. But they are available online as well. This site seems to have good prices and lots of information in general. I do not vouch for them, however, since I've never ordered from them:
http://www.chinesenaturalherbs.com/default.htm
I also don't recommend you take these formulas, since they might not work for you. But hopefully you'll gain a little insight into how one might go about using Chinese medicine and find some benefit.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (6 Flavor Rehmannia Pill)This is a Yin tonic that primarily nourishes the Yin of the liver and kidney systems according to Chinese medical theory. The "kidneys" are the root of the body's energy. They store vital essence (i.e. concentrated energy as matter) and affect the marrow, bones, and brain (there is some corroboration with modern science there). A deficiency in Yin and/or Yang of the kidneys will affect one's overall energy.
Yin represents the negative polarity of things. Dark, solid, wet, substantial. Yang represents the positive polarity. Light, insubstantial, dry, etc. Think of it this way: Consider a fire. Yin is the wood. Yang is the flame. Too much wood, you may snuff out the fire. This would be a Yang deficiency. You feel cold, want to drink hot fluids, you have no energy, you don't move much. Too much flame, you burn up the wood. this is very common. This would lead to a Yin deficiency. Maybe adrenal fatigue. You may have some energy, but it is a nervous, agitated type of energy with no real core to it. You cannot concentrate. You may fidget or have insomnia.
So, this formula purports to build up the Yin side of things. I took this and immediately felt sedated. I ended up sleeping in the middle of the day, which is rare. I slept a lot the next day. I felt really sedated. It was like the Seroquel was turbocharged. I decided this was not what I needed. I need energy most of the time.
Gui Pi Wan (Restore the Spleen Pill)This formula strengthens the spleen (digestive function), nourishes the blood and calms the heart. The Heart is associated with an agitated mind and insomnia. I did not feel much taking this formula. I did feel calm and sedated. Again, not what I was looking for. This formula is indicated for agitated, nervous depression and SSRI withdrawal. Consider the fact that a weak digestion could limit the effectiveness of food, supplements and medications.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Supplement the Middle Qi Pill)This formula has warming herbs and tonic herbs to strengthen digestion and restore the Yang qi of the body. When Yang qi is strong the energy goes upward as it should - this could be interpreted as proper circulation to the brain. This formula did make me feel warm in the solar plexus area and gave me some energy. Spleen in Chinese medicine is digestive function. Dysfunction in this system could lead to loose, water stools, bloating, lack of energy, weak muscles, headache.
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill)This is a formula to build kidney Yang. It is actually the same as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan but it adds aconite and cinnamon bark to warm the kidneys. It is also know as Rehmannia 8. After taking this I felt a warmth in my lower back and some energy.
The combination of the Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan and the Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan was very warming and seemed to increase circulation and energy. Since Chinese medicine is subtle, don't expect quick results, but in my case after a few days I could feel my energy increasing and a pleasant warmth throughout my body. I think it is safe to say that I suffer a chronic deficiency of Yang and Qi. This jives with my symptoms of low energy, sitting motionless for long period, weak voice, foggy mind, low mental energy. Someone with strong Yang but weak Yin would not be served by the warming herbs. They might benefit from more calming and cooling herbs which can also increase energy (replenish the wood on the fire). It isn't all about stimulating or sedating, but finding the right balance between the two. It might take some time to regain that balance.
I feel better and better each day. I'll continue taking the herbs until I feel that I don't need them or if I start to feel too hot or experience any negative effects. I hope this helps.
poster:Hombre
thread:948550
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100516/msgs/948550.html