Modified Heart-Qi Drink 1985.10.7

Modified Heart-Qi Drink 1985.10.7

Prescription: Citrus aurantium 10g, Pinellia ternata 6g, Poria cocos 12g, licorice 6g, Perilla frutescens 10g, Cinnamon twig 10g, Areca nut 10g, turtle shell 20g, Evodia rutaecarpa 6g, Mulberry bark 10g, Aristolochia fangchi 6g. Decoct in water and take one dose daily.

Mnemonic: Wu-jia-sang-tong-bin-su-gui, zhi-shi-yi-chen-er-chen-sui.

This formula can treat heart disease and heart failure. The entire formula is based on Er Chen Tang, with Citrus aurantium replacing Chenpi—this reflects the presence of a large, disc-shaped hepatic mass in the lower abdomen. Left ventricular failure results in pulmonary congestion, and turtle shell is a living, flesh-and-blood ingredient that softens blood stasis and reduces heat, offering some therapeutic effect on pulmonary congestion. Cinnamon twig warms and disperses, and the two herbs complement each other well. Areca nut moves qi and dispels cold, while Evodia rutaecarpa lowers qi and dispels cold—both aim to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and reduce secretions. Perilla frutescens lowers qi and relieves asthma, mulberry bark clears phlegm and promotes water circulation, and Aristolochia fangchi facilitates water flow. Overall, this formula aims to eliminate phlegm, activate blood circulation, invigorate yang, promote diuresis, and move qi—making it an effective remedy for cardiac-related breathing difficulties.