Yangxin Dingji Gao: A Chinese Patent Ointment for Palpitations and Shortness of Breath

Yangxin Dingji Gao is a tonifying paste (gao zi) recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Volume I, 2005 edition. Its composition is: Shengdihuang (Raw Rehmannia) 120 g, Maimendong (Ophiopogon) 60 g, Hongshen (Red Ginseng) 20 g, Dazao (Jujube) 60 g, Ejiao (Ass-hide Gelatin) 20 g, Heizhima (Black Sesame) 50 g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 30 g, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 30 g, and Zhi Gancao (honey-fried Licorice) 40 g.

The paste is prepared as follows: slice the Hongshen, soak it in warm water for 1 hour, then decoct twice for 2 hours each time, combine the decoctions, and filter; squeeze juice from the Shengjiang and extract the volatile oil from Guizhi. Decoct the remaining Gancao and other herbs together with the above Hongshen, Shengjiang, and Guizhi residues in water twice, 2 hours each time; combine and filter the decoctions, add the Hongshen extract to this filtrate, and concentrate into a thick paste. Then take 30 g of yellow wine and melt the Ejiao in it; separately take 120 g of sucrose and make a syrup, add it to the above thick paste, melted Ejiao, and 20 g of refined honey, and continue concentrating to the appropriate consistency. After cooling, add the Shengjiang juice and Guizhi volatile oil, stir evenly, and make a paste of about 300 g in total.

This paste may be self-prepared as above, or the Chinese patent medicine Yangxin Dingji Gao may be purchased directly; several pharmaceutical factories produce it. Those who dislike taking paste may instead buy Yangxin Dingjia Jiaonang or Yangxin Dingji Keli (capsules or granules), which have the same effect.

This formula nourishes blood and boosts qi, restores the pulse and settles palpitations. It treats qi deficiency and blood insufficiency with palpitations and shortness of breath, arrhythmia, night sweats and insomnia, dry throat and parched tongue, and dry stool. Because tonifying pastes have the side effect of being cloying and obstructing the diaphragm, it is contraindicated for those with abdominal distension and loose stools, poor appetite, and a greasy coating.

Yangxin Dingji Gao is a purely tonifying medicine suitable only for the weak. In the formula, Hongshen strongly tonifies original qi, Ejiao nourishes blood, and Dihuang nourishes yin and supplements the kidney—all are major tonics. Thus those who are not weak will have adverse reactions after taking it; robust people who take such formulas readily develop ginseng-abuse syndrome. If after taking this formula the patient develops rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, a red face, irritability, and constipation, this indicates ginseng-abuse syndrome, and the medicine should be stopped.

Cancer patients whose red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets are low after radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and who present with palpitations, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, night sweats, and insomnia, may take this formula. It improves basic blood counts and also raises the patient's immunity and stamina.

This formula may also be used for heart failure and viral myocarditis, and has a certain adjunctive effect in depressed patients with shortness of breath and palpitations. It may also treat postpartum weakness and uterine bleeding in women. After gastric bleeding, weak patients may use this formula together with Yunnan Baiyao Jiaonang to nourish blood and stop bleeding simultaneously.