Yangxin Dingji Syrup (Capsules): Treating Palpitations and Shortness of Breath
Yangxin Dingji Gao (Heart-Nourishing, Pulse-Settling Syrup) is recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Volume I, 2005 edition. Its composition is: Shengdihuang (Unprepared Rehmannia Root) 120 g; Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 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; Zhigancao (Honey-fried Licorice) 40 g.
Preparation: of the above nine herbs, except Ejiao, slice the Red Ginseng, soak in warm water for one hour, then decoct twice, two hours each time; combine the decoctions and filter. Express the ginger juice; extract the volatile oil from the Cinnamon Twig. Decoct the remaining five herbs (including Licorice) together with the above Red Ginseng, ginger and Cinnamon Twig dregs in water twice, two hours each; combine and filter the decoctions. Add the Red Ginseng extract to the filtrate and concentrate to a thick extract. Take 30 g yellow wine, melt the Ejiao in it; separately take 120 g sucrose, make a syrup, add the above thick extract, the melted Ejiao and 20 g refined honey, continue concentrating to the proper consistency, let cool, add the ginger juice and Cinnamon Twig volatile oil, stir well, and make about 300 g. The product is obtained.
Some Chinese patent-medicine factories produce Yangxin Dingji Gao, and some pharmaceutical factories produce Yangxin Dingji Jiaonang (capsules). Patients may prepare the syrup themselves by this prescription, or buy the patent medicine Yangxin Dingji Gao or capsules from a pharmacy.
The formula nourishes blood and boosts qi, restores the pulse and settles palpitations. It is indicated for qi deficiency and blood insufficiency, palpitations and shortness of breath, arrhythmia, night sweats and insomnia, dry throat and tongue, and dry bound stool. Take orally twice daily, 15-20 g each time. It is contraindicated in those with abdominal distension, loose stools, poor appetite and a greasy coating.
The TCM symptoms of qi and blood deficiency, palpitations and shortness of breath, arrhythmia, night sweats and insomnia, dry throat and tongue, and dry bound stool resemble the clinical symptoms of hypoglycemia and hypotension and of ischemic cardiomyopathy in modern medicine. Palpitations and shortness of breath often occur in patients with hypertensive heart disease, hypoglycemia, hypotension and pneumonia; since this formula has a certain blood-pressure-raising effect, hypertensive patients should use it with caution, as should athletes.
This formula is actually an augmented version of the classic TCM formula Fu Mai Tang (Pulse-Restoring Decoction). Fu Mai Tang is recorded in the Yimen Buyao and is composed of Zhigancao, Xiyangshen (American Ginseng), Huomaren (Hemp Seed), Shengdi and Maimendong. It treats insufficiency of qi, blood, yin and fluids, with the heart vessels deprived of nourishment: palpitations and flustered heart, dry mouth and tongue, dry bound stool, and an irregularly beating pulse (with missed beats). Its indications are basically the same as this formula.
In this formula, Hongshen, Shengdihuang, Ejiao and Dazao all nourish blood; Maimendong and Heizhima nourish yin and moisten dryness. The combination of Guizhi and Gancao is Guizhi Gancao Tang, recorded in the Shanghan Lun, which treats "when sweating has been excessive and the person clasps his hands over the heart, with palpitation below the heart that wants to be pressed." Shengjiang helps Guizhi warm yang and free the vessels, while harmonizing the herbs. Combined, these herbs produce a relatively marked improvement in palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue caused by qi and blood insufficiency.
This formula should not be converted to a decoction, because the above diseases are all chronic with long courses of treatment; taking the syrup or capsules is better than taking a decoction.