When you are easily startled
You jump at the slightest noise, you are quickly unsettled, you hesitate when it is time to decide, your sleep is light and full of dreams, and you wake with a start… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Heart and Gallbladder Qi Deficiency: the Gallbladder, which in TCM gives the courage to decide, lacks drive, and the Heart can no longer house the Spirit (Shen) peacefully.
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan, the “Pill that calms the Spirit and steadies the will”, was recorded under the Qing by Cheng Guopeng (程国彭) in the Yi Xue Xin Wu (《医学心悟》). It extends a far older formula, Ding Zhi Wan, by Sun Simiao (孙思邈) under the Tang, adding in particular poria with pine root (Fu Shen). Tradition regards it as the most representative formula for this pattern. Our preparation offers an adapted, entirely plant-based version, in which the fossil tooth of the original formula gives way to sour jujube seeds and fleeceflower vine.
Nourishing the Heart, settling the Spirit
The formula works on three levels. Ginseng and the two forms of poria nourish Heart Qi and soothe the Spirit; polygala and acorus clear the “orifices of the Heart” so that the Spirit regains its clarity; sour jujube seeds and fleeceflower vine accompany the night’s rest.
Nourishes the Qi and soothes the Shen: Ginseng supports Heart Qi, and poria with pine root, whose Chinese name contains the word Shen (茯神), is traditionally chosen to soothe the Spirit.
Supports emotional stability: Polygala and acorus, both aromatic, help the Spirit regain clarity and assurance, and poria supports the Spleen, from which Qi arises.
Contributes to peaceful sleep: Sour jujube seeds nourish the Heart and Liver, and fleeceflower vine, whose Chinese name evokes vines that intertwine at night, accompanies the drift into sleep.
