Peach Kernel and Schisandra Berry Decoction

Category: Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea Name: Peach Kernel and Schisandra Berry Decoction

Chinese Name: 桃仁五味子饮

Formula

10 grams of peach kernels, 5 grams of schisandra berries, and 10 grams of white sugar.

Main Ingredients

How To Make

Sort the Schisandra berries to remove impurities, wash them thoroughly, and place them in a pot. Add water and simmer for 30 minutes, then strain to remove the solids and retain the liquid. Sort the peach kernels to remove impurities, sun-dry or oven-dry them, and grind into a coarse powder. Add the peach kernel powder to the pot along with the Schisandra liquid and an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer until the mixture thickens into a decoction. Stir in the white sugar to complete.

Efficacy

Promotes blood circulation and regulates qi. Suitable for senile dementia caused by stagnation of qi and blood.

Usage

Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.

Commentary

Taking schisandra berries (Wu-wei-zi) as the chief herb, the formula draws on its sour, sweet flavor and warm property: its action follows the Lung, Heart, Kidney meridians and works to astringe, tonify the kidney, generate fluids and calm the spirit. Peach kernels (Tao-ren) take the deputy (minister) role. Bitter, sweet-neutral in property, it enters the Heart, Liver, Large Intestine meridians and works to activate blood, resolve stasis and moisten the intestines. Finally, white sugar (Bai-tang) stands as the harmonizing envoy; its role is to moisten and harmonize the formula and coordinate the herbs. In sum, the prescription promote blood circulation and regulate qi, aimed squarely at the blood and qi pattern rather than at isolated symptoms.

Peach Kernel and Schisandra Berry Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Promotes blood circulation and regulates qi. Suitable for senile dementia caused by stagnation of qi and blood.

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