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This is one of the original "dabu wan," or "super pills" of Chinese herbalism. It is considered to be "the complete tonifying formula." This formula is a major energy and blood enhancer. It may be used by men or women as an adaptogenic formula, or to overcome chronic ailments due to Qi and blood deficiency. It is used for fatigue, anemia, loss of appetite and dry skin. It is routinely used for debility after an illness, surgery or childbirth. It can strengthen eyesight in those with weakened vision due to fatigue. Furthermore, the formula is a formidable immune system enhancer. It is the most widely used classic formulation for strengthening the immunity and resistance of immune suppressed individuals.

Primary Traditional Functions
Tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, improves digestion and increases digestive absorption, fortifies the immune system

Who Can Use This Formula
Anyone wishing to promote radiant health. It is especially beneficial to those who are recovering from illness or surgery.

Typical Usage
2 or 3 capsules, 2 or 3 times per day

Note
This is the original "dabu wan," or "super pill." It combines Four Major Herbs and Four Things, and adds two other supertonics to make the "complete tonifying formula." Every practitioner of Chinese herbalism is familiar with this master formula and it is one of the most frequently used herbal formulas in the world.

Four Major Herbs Combination is a fundamental formula in the Chinese herbal system. This is the primary Qi tonic formulation and herb grouping ("entity") of Chinese tonic herbalism. Four Major Herb Combination forms the foundation of numerous other formulations, in which case additional herbs are added. Four Major Herbs Combination can improve the circulation of energy, and can improve the digestibility of many other herbs and foods.

The Four Major Herbs component:

All four herbs in this superb formula are major Spleen tonics. Combined, they increase Qi and improve digestion; and this is the primary function of this formula. Due to their strong Spleen tonic effects, these four herbs help the body build muscle. Ginseng is the leading herb in this formula. Although Ginseng has many attributes, it is primarily a Qi tonic, and it is this quality that drives this formula. White Atractylodes and Poria help to dry Spleen dampness and return the water metabolism to its normal function. Ginseng and Poria have a calming effect on the Heart. Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes compliment each other in lowering blood sugar levels. Atractylodes and Poria increase the secretion of mineral electrolytes and have a strong diuretic effect . White Atractylodes and Licorice have a profound effect on harmonizing the Stomach and Spleen, promoting digestive functions.

Ginseng is one of the world's great herbs. Ginseng contains all of the three treasures. The regulatory effect that Ginseng has on the pituitary gland and stimulatory effect that it has on the adrenals helps the body to adapt to a wide variety of stresses. For this reason, Ginseng is called an adaptogenic substance. Ginseng replenishes and supplements the body's original vital essence. Ginseng nourishes the yin organs, improving their fluid balance and fluid production. As a Shen tonic, the classics say that Ginseng can calm the spirit, increase wisdom, comfort the soul and clear perception. Ginseng helps the body to increase its ability to absorb proteins, lowers blood sugar levels, strengthens appetite, helps to lower blood cholesterol, and decreases allergic sensitivity. Ginseng has been shown to help improve one's ability to withstand temperature extremes.

Licorice opens the pathways of all the meridians and harmonizes the functions of the herbs. Licorice has a very strong detoxifying effect on the body, helping to neutralize toxins and clearing them from the system. Licorice has a moistening effect on the Lungs, and helps to resolve a dry deficient cough and sore throat.

Four Major Herb Combination has been used for eighteen centuries as a Qi tonic. It is used as a major Qi tonic by anyone wishing to increase vitality. It may also be used by those who are experiencing weak digestion, poor appetite, anemia, loss of voice caused by weak Qi, borborygmus (growling abdomen), chronic fatigue, and general weakness.


The Four Things Component:

Four Things Combination, also often called Dang Gui Four Combination, is the supreme Blood tonic formulation of Chinese tonic herbalism. It is also an important Yin Essence tonic. It has been used for centuries as a moistening Blood tonic, which yields incredible results in restoring deficient Blood and Yin. In addition, it is an important blood vitalizing agent which dispels stagnant blood. It forms the foundations of a great many other formulations in Chinese herbalism. The treasures of the Yin Jing and Blood are promoted by Four Things Combination.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is the primary Blood tonic of Chinese herbalism and is the leading herb in this formulation. Dang Gui also helps dispel stagnant blood, moisturize Yin, dispel stagnant blood, detoxify the blood and relieve pain caused by blood stasis or blood stagnation. Dang Gui regulates uterine contractions and has a strong regulatory effect on the menstrual cycle.

White Peony root is the main supporting herb. It too is a major Blood tonic, but has stronger blood detoxifying qualities than Dang Gui and is a powerful anti-spasmodic and analgesic.

Ligusticum is warming, analgesic, detoxifying and is a powerful blood vitalizing agent which can break up blood stasis and dispel blood stagnation. Ligusticum promotes the flow of Qi, reduces muscular spasms, and regulates menstrual flow with a strong pain relieving effect on cramps.

Steamed Rehmannia is an important Yin tonic with Blood tonic qualities. Steamed Rehmannia is warm and moisturizing.

Dang Gui and steamed Rehmannia are herbs that are famous for replenishing the Blood and Essence. When steamed Rehmannia is combined with Dang Gui, Yin and Blood are richly nourished and the colon is moisturized, relieving dry constipation. Dang Gui, Peony, and Ligusticum are all blood movers and invigorators. Ligusticum, Peony, and Dang Gui all have detoxifying effects on the blood. These detoxifying effects are especially effective in removing surface heat toxins such as skin eruptions and vaginal infections.

Dang Gui, steamed Rehmannia and Ligusticum are all warming herbs. Peony is cooling to the blood, and yet it has an invigorating effect on the blood.

Four Things Combination is a famous woman's blood tonic. It is moisturizing and is used for long periods of time to restore the Yin and Blood, and to prevent aging and wrinkling of the skin.

In addition to its tonic qualities, Four Things Combination has traditionally been used for weakness due to blood deficiency, and pain in the lower abdomen caused by blood stagnation. Blood stagnation is a condition where the capillaries become blocked and blood cannot flow freely. Women are very prone to blood stagnation in the pelvic basis due to the complex arrangement of the reproductive organs in that area. Women frequently constrict the blood vessels in the pelvic basin subconsciously due to any number of psychological or physical stimulate or trauma. From that point on, blood does not flow freely, resulting in blood stagnation (poor blood circulation). If this stagnation continues over a period of time, blood begins to accumulate and may form clots and pockets of severe occlusion. This is called blood stasis, and is more severe than blood stagnation. Blood stasis can have serious physical and psychological repercussions. Chinese medicine believes that conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, infertility, severe menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are all substantially the direct result of blood stagnation and/or blood stasis. However, it clear that deeper causes are at the root of these conditions, since blood stagnation and blood stasis themselves are the result of deep psychological factors which must be handled with Shen tonics. In case of severe stagnation and stasis, more powerful blood vitalizing herbs are added to the formula to further enhance blood vitalization.

Four Things Combination is used in the Orient for infertility, abdominal pain during pregnancy, blood clots or bleeding after child birth, menopausal problems, and deficiency that causes an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. In addition Four Things Combination can be used for mild anemia, intestinal, vaginal or anal bleeding, irregular menstruation, and weakness due to blood loss.

Four Things Combination should be given with Qi and Kidney warming tonics when there is severe anemia. This formula should not be given to people who have gastrointestinal weakness with diarrhea until the diarrhea is corrected. Then it should be given with Spleen tonics. Otherwise, it is quite suited to weak or strong individuals, old or young. Although women take this formula far more frequently than men, it is also an excellent blood tonic for men, and will be found as a component in many formulations consumed by men. It is a superb tonic for all teenagers, male or female.

It is not necessary to double any of the herbs during the various seasons. However, it makes the formula about twice as effective. If you purchase a ready made version, don’t worry about it. But if you have the formula custom made or you can make your own, be sure to follow these important shifts in the recipe.


Astragalus reinforces the actions of both components and adds the dimension of increased protective qi.

Cinnamon Bark is a hot herb that improves circulation, tonifies Kidney yang and warms the body. Together, this formula has been proven through ten centuries to be a reliable and powerful whole body tonic.