TAO HONG SI WU TANG

Nourish & Invigorate Blood • The "Stasis-Breaking" Tonic

Symptoms

Menstrual Disorders: Irregular periods, particularly those characterized by sharp, fixed pain (Dysmenorrhea) and the passing of dark, purple clots.

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation because the Blood is too thin to flow (Deficiency) or too stagnant to move (Stasis).

Traumatic Injury: Chronic pain following an old injury, visible bruising, or "dull, fixed" pain that is worse with pressure.

Postpartum Recovery: Abdominal pain after childbirth where there is still some retained stasis (though often used after Sheng Hua Tang).

Key Indicator: "Blood Deficiency with Secondary Stasis"—where the "vessel" is half-empty, and the little blood that remains is moving too slowly, causing it to "congeal."

Tongue: Pale-purple body or a pale body with distinct purple stasis spots on the sides.

Pulse: Thin (Xi) and Choppy (Se) or Wiry (Xuan).

Ingredients

Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)

Raw Herbs 12g  | Granules 24.0g

Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)

Raw Herbs 12g  | Granules 24.0g

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba)

Raw Herbs 6g    | Granules 12.0g

Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs 5g   | Granules 10.0g

Tao Ren (Persicae Semen)

Raw Herbs 9g   | Granules 18.0g

Hong Hua (Carthami Flos)

Raw Herbs 6g   | Granules 12.0g

Description

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang addresses a common TCM paradox: you cannot effectively move stagnant blood if the "volume" is too low, but you cannot add new blood if the "pipes" are blocked.

The Engine and the Fuel: Shu Di and Bai Shao provide the "Fuel" (Blood substance). Chuan Xiong, Tao Ren, and Hong Hua provide the "Engine" (Movement).

Gynaecological Specialist: This formula is most famous for treating the "Fixed Pain" of endometriosis, fibroids, or difficult periods. By "Transforming" the old blood, it makes room for the "Generation" of the new.

Modifying the Base: It takes the mild, nourishing nature of Si Wu Tang and gives it a "sharp edge," making it much more effective for pain management.

Posology

Granules

3 to 9g daily, divided into 2 doses, taken with warm water.

Raw Plants

Decoct in 800ml of water. For menstrual issues, it is often taken in the week leading up to the period to ensure a smooth flow and reduce cramping.

Cautions

STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy—the stasis-breaking action of Tao Ren and Hong Hua can risk miscarriage. Not suitable for patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) or those with a tendency to bleed easily (hemorrhagic disorders), as it may increase the flow. Discontinue once the clots disappear and the tongue color improves.