Frankincense, Myrrh, and Leeches Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Promotes the flow of qi and blood and unblocks the meridians. Suitable for thrombotic occlusive vasculitis of the qi-stagnation and blood-stasis type; particularly suitable for patients in the middle stage experiencing pain due to qi stagnation and blood stasis.
those who are robust with internal accumulated heat are not suited to this formula; the blood-moving action suggests caution in early pregnancy, in heavy or prolonged menses, and in those with a bleeding tendency; the formula is potent in driving out pathogens; use with caution in the weak and in pregnancy, and avoid long-term or excessive use; the tonifying-warming action may aggravate internal heat; avoid during feverish or inflammatory episodes; some ingredients are mildly toxic; strictly follow the prescribed amounts, avoid long-term use, and exercise caution in children, pregnancy, and the weak
Commentary
Frankincense occupies the sovereign position; with warm nature and pungent, bitter flavor, having Heart, Liver, Spleen tropism, it invigorates blood, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and generates flesh and becomes the guiding principle of the whole formula. The ministerial layer, myrrh (with neutral nature and bitter flavor, having Heart, Liver, Spleen tropism, invigorates blood, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and generates flesh), and angelica root (warm in nature and sweet, pungent in flavor, with Liver, Heart, Spleen tropism, tonifies blood, promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and moistens the intestines), lends support that reinforces the sovereign’s main effect. Completing the formula, earthworms and leeches, tempering the formula’s tendency, so that potency is moderated and stomach qi protected. Together the herbs converge on this action, in accord with the cold stagnation and blood stasis pattern.