Si Wu Tang四物汤
Four-Substance Decoction
Ingredients4 herbs
Indications
Blood deficiency with mild stasis: the classic presentation of under-nourished blood whose movement has also slowed. The four substances tonify and move together, which is the formula's whole idea.
Clinical Manifestations
- Pale dull complexion, dizziness of blood deficiency
- Irregular menses, scanty pale flow
- Periumbilical pain with menses
- Base formula for countless modifications
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Marked stasis (clots, pain) — add Tao Ren 桃仁, Hong Hua 红花 — Tao Hong Si Wu Tang 桃红四物汤
- Cold in the vessels — add warming herbs such as Rou Gui 肉桂, Pao Jiang 炮姜
- Concurrent qi deficiency — combine with the Four Gentlemen — Ba Zhen Tang 八珍汤
Contraindications
Cloying for Spleen-deficient damp patterns with poor appetite and loose stools; not for acute heavy bleeding, which needs its own strategy.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Practitioner supervision required
Related Formulas
References
Source Xian Shou Li Shang Xu Duan Mi Fang 《仙授理伤续断秘方》 · Tang dynasty
「凡伤重，肠内有瘀血者用此。」
- Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.