The Four Substances Decoction has been passed down for thousands of years and has always been regarded as a holy product for nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. It not only works on gynecological diseases but also nourishes blood and tendons. Can it be consumed when suffering from a cold, fever, or sore throat?
【Taboos for using the Four Substances Decoction】
When suffering from a cold, fever, or sore throat, it is not recommended to consume the Four Substances Decoction. Some people may experience diarrhea after consuming it, which could be due to the dosage and preparation. Some people have poor digestion and are prone to diarrhea when taking tonics. It is recommended to improve digestion first and adjust the dosage of Chinese angelica and prepared rehmannia accordingly. Alternatively, some people may experience dry mouth and throat after consuming the Four Substances Decoction, in which case, adding some Scutellaria baicalensis, Ophiopogon japonicus, or raw rehmannia and stir-fried Paeonia lactiflora can help. "The Four Substances Decoction is a very good prescription. As long as you grasp the basic principles, make timely changes, and use it flexibly, anyone can consume it."
However, the health consultant at Beijing Silk Foot Club advises against consuming the Four Substances Decoction when suffering from a cold, fever, or sore throat because the body's resistance is weakened at this time and consuming tonics may lead to excessive internal heat.
【Benefits of the Four Substances Decoction】
The Four Substances Decoction is known as the "prescription for repairing injuries from immortals," suggesting that ancient people regarded this prescription as divine and bestowed by immortals. Originally, it was not specifically used to treat gynecological diseases. "Repairing injuries" refers to the fact that many blood-nourishing and tendon-regulating medicines are based on the Four Substances. Therefore, the Four Substances Decoction is not limited to women. It can be consumed by both men and women to nourish blood and improve health. The Four Substances Decoction can also be adjusted according to the seasons and individual constitutions. The health consultant at Beijing Silk Foot Club suggests that as long as it is professionally adjusted by a physician and tailored to individual constitutions, everyone can consume the Four Substances Decoction for health maintenance.
The common formula for the Four Substances Decoction includes Chinese angelica, Chuanxiong, Paeonia lactiflora, and prepared rehmannia, which are mainly used for blood nourishment and tonification. Liu Wansu, a medical scientist from the Jin Dynasty, first proposed the Four Seasons Four Substances Decoction in his book "Treatise on the Protection of Life in Accordance with the Mechanism of Disease in the Suwen." Based on the health preservation theory of the "Neijing," he suggested adjusting the Four Substances Decoction according to the characteristics of each season. The text states, "In spring, add Ledebouriella to the Four Substances, and double the dosage of Chuanxiong. In summer, add Scutellaria baicalensis to the Four Substances, and double the dosage of Paeonia lactiflora. In autumn, add Ophiopogon japonicus to the Four Substances, and double the dosage of prepared rehmannia. In winter, add Cinnamomum cassia to the Four Substances, and double the dosage of Chinese angelica."
【Combining the Four Substances Decoction with other ingredients】
Can the Four Substances Decoction be consumed for uterine fibroids? In addition to the Four Seasons Adjusted Increase and Decrease method, the formula can also be adjusted according to individual constitutions:
1. Qi tonification
Add Astragalus, Codonopsis pilosula, or ginseng. In addition to the four basic blood-nourishing herbs, three common qi-tonifying herbs can also be added, including Astragalus, Codonopsis pilosula, or ginseng, to achieve the effect of "nourishing qi and promoting blood production," making the complexion more rosy and energized. If fatigue is a concern, Eucommia ulmoides can be added to tonify kidney qi. If fatigue is causing headaches or dizziness, adding more Chuanxiong for promoting blood circulation may help.
2. Blood circulation during menstruation
Add safflower, Leonurus japonicus, or peach kernel. Avoid/tonifying herbs. Generally, if women experience fatigue or insufficient menstrual blood during their period, they can consume the Four Substances Decoction to nourish blood. If the menstrual period is not smooth, adding blood-activating herbs such as safflower, Leonurus japonicus, or peach kernel can help the uterus contract. However, some ready-made Four Substances Decoctions may contain qi-tonifying herbs such as Astragalus or Codonopsis pilosula, which are not recommended during menstruation. Although they may enhance the effect and taste better, they can inhibit uterine contraction and affect the smooth flow of menstrual blood.
3. Uterine fibroids
Add Leonurus japonicus or peach kernel. It is often heard that people with uterine fibroids, adenomas, or endometriosis are not suitable for consuming the Four Substances Decoction. However, some TCM practitioners do not completely agree.
Fan Gangxuan said that some patients with uterine fibroids may have hormonal imbalances due to irregular periods, insufficient menstrual blood, and long-term stasis. If some softening and blood-activating herbs such as Leonurus japonicus or peach kernel are added to the Four Substances Decoction and taken during the menstrual period to promote blood circulation and resolve stasis, the uterus will gain vitality and the menstrual blood will be discharged smoothly. Some fibroids may gradually shrink. Therefore, it is not completely forbidden to consume the Four Substances Decoction. It is recommended to have a prescription from a professional physician after diagnosis.
