CHINA MED CARDIAC FORMULA QIANG XIN SHEN MAI JIAO NANG

CHINAMED CARDIAC FORMULA QIANG XIN SHEN MAI JIAO NANG

This formula is based on a combination of Sheng Mai San (Powder-Formula to Regenerate the Pulse), from Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries (nei wai shang bian huo lun), 1247, by Li Gao (a.k.a. Li Dong-yuan) and Zhi Shi Gua Luo Gui Zhi Tang (Citrus, Trichisanthes and Cinnamon Twig Decocotion) from the ynopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet (jin gui yao lue fang lun), by Zhang Zhong-jing (circa 150- 219 CE).

The former formula and its variants are now widely used in China in the treatment of various types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease. The latter treats chest pain due to deficiency of the Yang Qi in the chest with subsequent accumulation of Phlegm and severe stagnation of the Qi.

In TCM chest pain may be due to Blood stasis, retention of Phlegm obstructing the Yang Qi, stagnation of Yin-Cold, Qi and Yin deficiency, Heart and Kidney Yin deficiency. With the inclusion of Salvia root (dan shen), Santalum stem heartwood (tan xiang) and Curcuma tuber (yu jin), this formula covers the first four syndromes. Thus, this formula may be used alone as a single treatment; or as the foundation for more complex prescriptions (as listed above under Combinations) in the management of patients with chest pain due to coronary artery disease.

Ingredients:
– Panax ginseng, root 人參 223.9 mg
– Ophiopogon japonicus, tuber 麥冬 223.9 mg
– Salvia miltiorrhiza, root 丹參 223.9 mg
– Curcuma longa, tuber 鬱金 167.9 mg
– Schisandra chinensis, fruit 五味子 167.9 mg
– Trichosanthes kirilowii, fruit 瓜萎 167.9 mg
– Pinellia ternata, tuber 半夏 167.9 mg
– Citrus aurantium, fruit 枳殼 167.9 mg
– Allium macrostemon, bulb 薤白 111.8 mg
– Santalum album, stem heartwood 檀香 93.1 mg
– Cinnamomum cassia, twig 桂枝 83.7 mg

Patients with cardiovascular disease (diagnosed by a qualified Western medical practitioner) are generally managed as follows:

– The heart-healthy diet (low fat, low cholesterol, restricted calories, limited sodium, etc
– Reduce weight if overweight
– Lower the LDL cholesterol level (with a statin drug if dietary restriction is not effective)
– Regular exercise
– Cessation of smoking
– Control high blood pressure and diabetes
– Low-dose aspirin

It should be noted that, while treatment with Chinese herbal medicines may provide a more holistic approach to normalising all aspects of a patients metabolism (including LDL cholesterol), this formula is incompatible with aspirin therapy

Signs & Symptoms
– Angina pectoris
– Coronary artery disease
– Palpitations
– Cerebrovascular disease

Dosage & Course of Treatment
– 6 – 10 capsules, twice daily.
– In severe cases and in the early stages of treatment (first 2 – 4 weeks) the dosage may be increased by 50%.
– Course of treatment: 6 – 9 months (or ongoing in severe cases)
– Safe to use long term.

Cautions & Contraindications
– Contraindicated for those on anti-coagulant medications (i.e. Heparin, warfarin or aspirin).