Fu Lao Wan for Anti-Aging and Forgetfulness
In the Bianzheng Lu (Record of Pattern Differentiation) there is "Fu Lao Wan" specifically treating forgetfulness in the elderly. The formula consists of: Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 3 liang (90 g), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang (90 g), Fushen (Poria with hostwood) 2 liang (60 g), Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 3 liang (90 g), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 3 liang (90 g), Shudi (processed Rehmanniae Radix) half a jin (250 g), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) 4 liang (120 g), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) 3 liang (90 g), Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 5 qian (15 g), Baiziren (Biotae Semen) 3 liang (90 g), Sheng Zaoren (raw Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) 4 liang (120 g), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 3 liang (90 g), Longchi (fossil teeth and bones of ancient mammals) 3 qian (9 g), Baijiezi (Sinapis Semen) 1 liang (30 g). Grind the above herbs together into a fine powder, make pills with refined honey, the size of a parasol tree seed.
This formula has the effects of boosting qi and nourishing blood, regulating and tonifying the heart and kidney, and sweeping out phlegm to open the orifices. It mainly treats senile forgetfulness and can now be used for senile vertigo and forgetfulness, as well as for stroke sequelae and traumatic brain injury presenting the above symptoms. This formula has a certain effect in alleviating senile dementia and intractable insomnia in the elderly, but such diseases are mostly difficult to cure; long-term use can only maintain, so patients and their families should have appropriate psychological expectations about efficacy and treatment course.
This formula can improve the elderly's physical strength, improve cerebral circulation, and enhance sleep quality. In the formula, Renshen, Baizhu, Fushen, Huangqi, Danggui, Shudi, Shanzhuyu, and Maidong are all tonic herbs that can raise physical strength; Changpu wakes the brain and opens the orifices; Baijiezi resolves phlegm and dissipates nodules; Baiziren and Sheng Zaoren calm the spirit and aid sleep and also moisten the intestines to free the stools; Xuanshen clears heat and cools blood and nourishes kidney yin; Longchi settles fright and calms the spirit. Used together, the herbs both support the healthy root and raise physical strength, and sweep out phlegm, wake the brain, calm the spirit, and aid sleep. It has a symptomatic supportive effect on the insomnia, forgetfulness, and dementia commonly seen in the elderly caused by ischemic stroke or brain atrophy.
Fu Lao Wan is not produced by any manufacturer; if a patient needs it, they can prepare the medicine themselves according to the original formula. The pill formula may also be converted to a decoction, at one-tenth the dose of the original. The Chinese medicinal Longchi is a fossil of ancient animals; its use is now not recommended. Even if Longchi is bought from a pharmacy, genuine products are rare; it may be replaced by 60 g of Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix), with equivalent efficacy.