Shenjiao Tang: Decoction for Insomnia and Memory Decline
In the Qing-dynasty physician Chen Shiduo's Bianzheng Lu (Records of Pattern Differentiation) there is a formula called "Shenjiao Tang" ("Spirit-Communion Decoction"). Its composition is: ginseng 1 liang (30 g), Ophiopogon (Maimendong) 1 liang (30 g), Morinda (Bajitian) 1 liang (30 g), Biota seed (Baiziren) 5 qian (15 g), Dioscorea (Shanyao) 1 liang (30 g), Euryale seed (Qianshi) 5 qian (15 g), Scrophularia (Xuanshen) 1 liang (30 g), Salvia (Danshen) 3 qian (9 g), Poria cum Ligno Pini (Fushen) 3 qian (9 g), and Cuscuta seed (Tusizi) 1 liang (30 g). Take one dose daily, decoct in water, strain, and take warm, twice daily.
Shenjiao Tang tonifies the heart and kidney. It is indicated for insomnia, severe palpitations (zhenchong), and forgetfulness arising from non-interaction between heart and kidney, and it also has some antidepressant action. Chen Shiduo used relatively heavy dosages; herbs playing a key role were often used at 1 liang or more. In this formula, ginseng, Ophiopogon, Morinda, Dioscorea, and Cuscuta are each used at 1 liang. Ginseng greatly supplements original qi; Dioscorea and Euryale fortify the spleen and supplement qi; Ophiopogon quiets the heart and settles the spirit. TCM regards Morinda and Cuscuta as kidney-tonifying herbs; modern pharmacological research shows Morinda can markedly improve patients' serotonin secretion and regulate mood, and Cuscuta has a similar effect.
Together, these herbs markedly improve the patient's mental state, raising their "essence, qi, and spirit." Biota seed and Fushen quiet the spirit and aid sleep, improving the patient's rest; Scrophularia nourishes yin and descends fire; Salvia improves blood circulation. These ancillary herbs more comprehensively improve the patient's overall condition.
Thus Shenjiao Tang may be used for patients whose physical strength, mood, sleep, and memory are all poor. Such patients usually have both somatic and psychological symptoms, a disrupted circadian rhythm, fatigue, and a lack of interest in anything. Treating such conditions requires a long course. If this formula proves effective, the decoction may be converted into pills: following the proportions above, powder the herbs finely and, using refined honey as the excipient, form into water-honey pills for continued use.