Astringent formulas

Gu Chong Tang is designed for the pattern of spleen and kidney deficiency with insecurity of the chong mai. Uterine bleeding may be profuse or it may routinely spot bleed in an irregular pattern. Profuse menstruation occurs with thin and pale menses, dizziness, cold extremities, palpitation, shortness of breath, mental fatigue, weakness, weak and aching waist and knees.

Mu Li San is indicated for spontaneous sweating or night sweat in those with a deficient constitution. Symptoms include constant spontaneous sweating that is worse at night, palpitations, easy to become frightened, shortness of breath, vexation, and fatigue. The tongue body is pale or light red and the pulse is thready and weak.

Si Shen Wan is used to treat kidney diarrhea due to yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney. Chief symptoms include fifth-watch (diarrhea at dawn) diarrhea, reluctance to eat or drink, poor digestion and absorption, chronic unremitting diarrhea, abdominal pain, lumbar pain, cold limbs, mental fatigue, and lack of strength. Usually, the tongue is pale with a white and thin coating. The pulse is deep, slow and weak.