Four Things Combination, also called Dang Gui Four Combination, is the supreme Blood tonic formulation of Chinese tonic herbalism. It is also an important Yin Essence tonic. It has been used for centuries as a moistening Blood tonic, which yields incredible results in restoring deficient Blood and Yin. In addition, it is an important blood vitalizing agent which dispels stagnant blood. It forms the foundations of a great many other formulations in Chinese herbalism. The treasures of the Yin Jing and Blood are promoted by Four Things Combination.
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is the primary Blood tonic of Chinese herbalism and is the leading herb in this formulation. Dang Gui also helps dispel stagnant blood, moisturize Yin, dispel stagnant blood, detoxify the blood and relieve pain caused by blood stasis or blood stagnation. Dang Gui regulates uterine contractions and has a strong regulatory effect on the menstrual cycle.
White Peony root is the main supporting herb. It too is a major Blood tonic, but has stronger blood detoxifying qualities than Dang Gui and is a powerful anti-spasmodic and analgesic.
Ligusticum is warming, analgesic, detoxifying and is a powerful blood vitalizing agent which can break up blood stasis and dispel blood stagnation. Ligusticum promotes the flow of Qi, reduces muscular spasms, and regulates menstrual flow with a strong pain relieving effect on cramps.
Steamed Rehmannia is an important Yin tonic with Blood tonic qualities. Steamed Rehmannia is warm and moisturizing.
Dang Gui and steamed Rehmannia are herbs that are famous for replenishing the Blood and Essence. When steamed Rehmannia is combined with Dang Gui, Yin and Blood are richly nourished and the colon is moisturized, relieving dry constipation. Dang Gui, Peony, and Ligusticum are all blood movers and invigorators. Ligusticum, Peony, and Dang Gui all have detoxifying effects on the blood. These detoxifying effects are especially effective in removing surface heat toxins such as skin eruptions and vaginal infections.
Dang Gui, steamed Rehmannia and Ligusticum are all warming herbs. Peony is cooling to the blood, and yet it has an invigorating effect on the blood.
Four Things Combination is a famous woman's blood tonic. It is moisturizing and is used for long periods of time to restore the Yin and Blood, and to prevent aging and wrinkling of the skin. Although women take this formula far more frequently than men, it is also an excellent blood tonic for men, and will be found as a component in many formulations consumed by men.
In addition to its tonic qualities, Four Things Combination has traditionally been used for weakness due to blood deficiency, and pain in the lower abdomen caused by blood stagnation. Blood stagnation is a condition where the capillaries become blocked and blood cannot flow freely. Women are very prone to blood stagnation in the pelvic basis due to the complex arrangement of the reproductive organs in that area. Women frequently constrict the blood vessels in the pelvic basin subconsciously due to any number of psychological or physical stimulate or trauma. From that point on, blood does not flow freely, resulting in blood stagnation (poor blood circulation). If this stagnation continues over a period of time, blood begins to accumulate and may form clots and pockets of severe occlusion. This is called blood stasis, and is more severe than blood stagnation. Blood stasis can have serious physical and psychological repercussions. Blood stasis is generally the result of deep psychological factors which must be handled with Shen tonics. In case of severe stagnation and stasis, more powerful blood vitalizing herbs are added to the formula to further enhance blood vitalization.
Four Things Combination should be given with Qi and Kidney warming tonics when there is severe anemia. Otherwise, it is quite suited to weak or strong individuals, old or young. It is a superb tonic for all teenagers, male or female.
