Tianwang Buxin Dan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Ingredients
| Herb Name | English Name | Historical Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Sheng Di | four liang (about 150 g) | |
| Ren Shen | ||
| Yuan Shen | ||
| Dan Shen | ||
| Fu Ling | ||
| Jie Geng | ||
| Yuan Zhi | five qian (about 18.75 g) | |
| Suan Zao Ren | ||
| Bai Zi Ren | ||
| Tian Dong | ||
| Mai Dong | ||
| Dang Gui | ||
| Wu Wei Zi | one liang (about 37.5 g) | |
| Zhu Sha | cinnabar | |
| Deng Xin |
Traditional Indications
Tianwang Buxin Dan is recorded in Yi Fang Ji Jie as a historical formula for supplementing the Heart within the TCM framework. The source associates it with excessive mental effort, insufficient Heart blood, palpitations, forgetfulness, sweating around the chest, variable bowel movements, and sores of the mouth or tongue. These are traditional descriptions, not biomedical diagnoses.
Preparation & Administration
The ingredients are made into honey pills about the size of a pellet. The pills are coated with Zhu Sha. One pill is taken at bedtime with a Deng Xin infusion, or held in the mouth to dissolve gradually. A recorded variant adds Shi Chang Pu at four qian (about 15 g) and removes Wu Wei Zi. Another variant adds Gan Cao, with no amount stated.
Formula Rationale
The commentary explains Sheng Di and Yuan Shen as enriching water to restrain fire, Dan Shen and Dang Gui as generating Heart blood, and Ren Shen and Fu Ling as supporting Heart qi. Tian Dong and Mai Dong moisten dryness; Yuan Zhi, Suan Zao Ren, and Bai Zi Ren nourish the Heart spirit; and the sour ingredients are said to gather dispersed Heart qi. Jie Geng is used to clear the Lung and guide the formula upward. The text also advises quieting the mind and reducing mental agitation rather than relying on medicine alone.