Herbs 1 Case Studies

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Your patient complains of hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. She also complains of fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. The tongue is pale and the pulse is deficient. You believe this is a case of Spleen qi sinking. What herbs could you give to raise the clear yang of the Spleen?

Ma Huang (ephedrae herba) and Gui Zhi (cinnamomi ramulus)
Da Huang (rhei radix et rhizoma) and Mang Xiao (natrii sulfus)
Fu Ling (poria) and Zhu Ling (polyporus)
Chai Hu (bupleuri radix) and Sheng Ma (cimicifugae rhizoma)

These herbs appear in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle to Augment Qi Deocotion) because of their ability to raise Spleen qi. The Spleen "governs upbearing," so when Spleen qi is deficient certain sinking conditions may occur, such as hemorrhoids, organ prolapse, or chronic diarrhea. Chai Hu and Sheng Ma both have an upward action that raises Spleen qi to counter prolapse.

Source: Scheid, V. (2009). Formulas & Strategies 2nd Edition. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. pp. 317 [Q429]