January/February 2006
“Back to school” (or work) after the holidays is difficult for many, not only because the party is over, but also because the
body doesn’t feel like it had a holiday at all. Too much food and drink has made body and mind dull and uncomfortable,
resulting in indigestion and mental sluggishness. The good news is that this newsletter examines the ways to ease the
transition and prepare body and mind for a great start to the New Year.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Help Your Patients Soothe a Troubled Digestive System -
The Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia
By Dagmar Riley Dip. TCM
The most common type of dyspepsia seen by physicians is
known as “Functional Dyspepsia”. This refers to dyspepsia that
occurs without an identifiable cause. Functional Dyspepsia is
exprienced as the following symptoms:
• persistent or recurrent dyspepsia (pain or discomfort
centred in the upper abdomen);
• no evidence of organic disease that is likely to explain
CONTENTS symptoms;
• no evidence that dyspepsia is exclusively relieved by
defecation or associated with the onset of a change in stool
Traditional Chinese Medicine frequency or stool form (ie, not Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1 Help Your Patients Soothe a Troubled Digestive System
- The Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. (IBS));
• symptoms have been persistant for at least three months
within the preceding 12 months.
TCM Principals
5 Forget Me Not – TCM Theory of Memory.
In addition to upper abdominal pain or discomfort, patients may
Sun Ten Seminar Review also experience symptoms such as mild nausea, epigastric and
6 Effective Treatment of Mood Disorders with Greg Bantick.
abdominal bloating, flatulence, belching, or acid reflux.
Chinese New Year
6 The Year of the Dog. The Practitioner should be careful to exclude disorders that
can produce similar symptoms to Functional Dyspepsia,
Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine such as peptic ulcer disease, medication-induced dyspepsia,
7 Ginseng and Longan Combination and its Effect on gastro-esophageal reflux disease, biliary pain, IBS or stomach
Memory and Learning.
cancer.
Western medical treatment focuses on dietary advice Maclean further expounds that “to successfully treat
(e.g. avoiding fatty foods or other specific foods that this triad of pathological patterns, each pattern must be
aggravate the patient’s condition), detection of potential addressed at the same time or the condition will either
mood disturbances that seem linked to the disorder, not improve or will quickly relapse. For example, if only
and medications such as acid-reducing medications, the spleen is treated, the repeated insult of the liver will
gastrokinetic agents (to promote efficient emptying of continue to weaken it and the spleen will be damaged
the stomach), low doses of antidepressant medication, again. If only damp-heat is treated, the weakened spleen
or visceral analgesics.1 Treatment success is limited, will continue to produce dampness and will likely be
and side-effects are a common problem. damaged by the bitter cold medicines used to clear the
damp-heat.” Formulae from the harmonising category
As mentioned, Western medicine has been unable to are often used to be able to address these in some way
identify a cause for Functional Dyspepsia and bases contradictory pathologies at the same time. For example,
its diagnosis on overall symptoms and signs (including Xiao Chai Hu Tang [Minor Bupleurum Combination],
localised symptoms, whole-body symptoms and the most popular formula of the harmonising category,
psychological symptoms). This type of diagnosis has concurrently addresses liver stasis leading to fire, spleen
been the strong field and indeed the main characteristic deficiency and phlegm damp.
of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of
years, and reports from China show that TCM treatment
of Functional Dyspepsia is both successful and usually
free of side-effects.
TCM View of Functional Dyspepsia
Liver depression with spleen vacuity is considered to
be the fundamental mechanism causing Functional
Dyspepsia. However, as the disorder progresses this is
often complicated by the existence of multiple patterns
and concurrent vacuity and repletion. Lifestyle factors
contributing to this basic pattern are emotional/mental
stress, leading to liver depression qi stagnation, and
improper diet, weakening the spleen and causing
formation of dampness.
Although most patients suffering from GI disorders
Liver qi stagnation, spleen deficiency and damp-heat simultaneously experience liver qi stagnation, spleen
are three patterns of pathology that tend to present deficiency and damp-heat, one or two of the patterns
simultaneously in gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders. In his may be more dominant than the others. A patient with
Clinial Handbook of Internal Medicine, Will Maclean calls dominant liver qi stagnation pattern might benefit from
this pattern combination the Primary Pathological Triad. Si Ni San [Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] with some
With time, spleen deficiency can lead to blood deficiency, additions to support the spleen and disinhibit dampness,
qi stagnation may lead to blood stagnation, dampness but with the main focus still on liver stasis. A different
can accumulate to form phlegm and internal heat may patient with spleen deficiency as his dominant pattern
cause yin deficiency. would be treated more effectively with Si Jun Zi Tang
[Four Major Herb Combination] with additions, and yet
another patient with predominant spleen deficiency and
The Primary Pathological Triad damp-heat may be treated with Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
[Pinellia Combination] to support the spleen and clear
heat with additional herbs to treat liver qi stagnation.
Examples of Current Chinese Treatment
Strategies
1. Si Ni San [Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] with Liu
Jun Zi Tang [Six Major Herb Combination].
Zhang Zhenzhong, chief physician of the department
of gastroenterology, Jiangxi Hospital of Chinese
Medicine, focuses his treatment strategy on coursing
Maclean,Will Clinical Handbook of Internal Medicine, 2002, Pangolin Press, p912 the liver and rectifying qi, strengthening the spleen
and disinhibiting dampness. For this purpose, Dr
“Liver qi stagnation, spleen deficiency and Zhang uses a combination of Si Ni San [Bupleurum &
Zhi Shi Formula] with Liu Jun Zi Tang [Six Major Herb
damp-heat are three patterns of pathology Combination] as his base formula. Si Ni San is the root
that tend to present simultaneously in formula for harmonisation of liver and spleen, here it is
gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders.” used to course (free) the liver and resolve depression.
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
the Western medicine understanding of Functional
Dyspepsia, as modern research has shown the
herbal combination to be gastrokinetic (promoting
efficient emptying of the stomach), analgesic and
calming.
Case History: Female, 51-year old, farmer. Dull
pain and discomfort centred in the upper abdomen
for over one year, which at the time was set off by
a burst of anger. Additional signs and symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain and discomfort increased after
food intake, no appetite, dry mouth, bitter taste in
Citrus Sinesis & Curcuma Aromatica
the mouth, dry stool, constipation (bowel movement
every two to three days), fatigue, lack of strength in
Liu Jun Zi Tang treats spleen deficiency with phlegm the extremities to the extent that she cannot perform
damp. Within this combination, the properties of Chai Hu her usual workload as a farmer, disturbed sleep, moderate
[Bupleurum], Bai Shao [White Peony] and Zhi Shi [Citrus pulse, pale tongue with a thick greasy yellow coating.
Sinensis] tend towards cooling, whereas the properties The hospital she first went to suspected chronic atrophic
of Ren Shen [Ginseng], Bai Zhu [White Atractylodes], gastritis, however, all tests including blood and urine tests,
Fu Ling [Hoelen], Chen Pi [Citrus] and Ban Xia [Pinellia] liver and kidney function tests, electrolytes and abdominal
tend towards warming. Overall, the combination is hence ultra-sound were normal and did not reveal any cause for
neither too warming nor too cooling, having the desired her pain. Based on her symptoms and test results she
harmonising effect on the contradictory pathologies of was diagnosed with Functional Dyspepsia.
the Primary Pathological Triad so often found in digestive
disorders. Dr Zhang diagnosed her TCM pattern as liver depression
and spleen deficiency with concurrent damp-heat.
Modifications according to dominant symptoms and signs: He concluded this corresponding treatment principle:
• Stomach duct (epigastric) distension and pain: Soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen, clear heat
Increase the dosage of Zhi Shi [Citrus Sinensis] and transform dampness.
and Bai Zhu [White Atractylodes] and add Hou Po
[Magnolia Bark]. Formula used: Chai Shao Liu Jun Zi Tang [Bupleurum
• Strong pain: Increase the dosage of Bai Shao [White and Six Major Herb Combination], a version of Liu Jun
Peony]. Zi Tang with added Chai Hu [Bupleurum] and Bai Shao
• Gastric hyperacidity: Add Hai Piao Xiao [White Peony] with modifications: Chai Hu [Bupleurum],
[Cuttlebone]. Zhi Shi [Citrus Sinensis], Chen Pi [Citrus] 12 g each, Ban
• Belching: Add Bai Dou Kou [Amomum] to harmonise Xia [Pinellia] 9 g, Bai Zhu [White Atractylodes] 25 g, Fu
the stomach and downbear qi. Ling [Hoelen], Bai Shao [White Peony] 20 g each, Dang
• Insomnia: Add Yuan Zhi [Polygala] and Fu Shen Shen [Codonopsis] 15 g, Huang Qin [Scute], Gan Cao
[Poria Cocos] to nourish the heart and calm the spirit, [Licorice] 6 g each, Huang Bai [Phellodendron] 3 g. All
or Mu Dan Pi [Moutan], Pu Huang [Pollen Typhae], Yu quantities are raw herbs, taken as a decoction.
Jin [Curcuma Aromatica] and Lian Zi [Lotus Seed] to
cool the blood and clear the heart. After four doses the dull pain and discomfort centred
• Vexation and being easily angered, with red face in the upper abdomen was markedly alleviated, her
and red eyes, and rib-side distension and pain, appetite had improved, the dry mouth and bitter taste
vomiting or acid vomiting, wiry and slippery pulse: in the mouth had disappeared completely, her stool
Considering that depressed qi would have transformed had returned to normal, the yellow greasy coating had
into fire giving rise to liver fire, add Huang Lian [Coptis] changed into a white coating, and the pulse was still
and Wu Zhu Yu [Evodia] (also known as Zuo Jin Wan) moderate. Dr Zhang concluded that the damp heat was
to clear liver heat, direct rebellious qi downward and sufficiently cleared and the pattern was now reduced to
stop vomiting. liver depression and spleen deficiency. He thus eliminated
• Feeling cold: Add Gan Jiang [Dried Ginger] to warm Huang Qin [Scute] and Huang Bai [Phellodendron] from
the centre and dissipate cold. the above prescription and advised the patient to take
• Signs of damp-heat: Add Huang Lian [Coptis] and another seven doses, after which the abdominal pain had
Huang Qin [Scute] to clear heat and dry dampness. completely disappeared and the distension had greatly
• Signs of blood stasis: Add Yan Hu Suo [Corydalis] improved. Dr Zhang consequently increased the dose
and Dan Shen [Salvia] or Wu Ling Zhi [Pteropus] and of Zhi Shi [Citrus Sinensis] to 20 g and added Hou Po
Pu Huang [Bulrush] (also known as Shi Xiao San) to [Magnolia Bark] 6 g. After another 10 doses the patient’s
quicken blood and transform stasis. distension had disappeared. The patient could resume
her normal workload and a follow up after six months
According to Dr Zhang the combination of Si Ni San confirmed that the patient was cured and the condition
[Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] with Liu Jun Zi Tang [Six had not relapsed.
Major Herb Combination] corresponds very well with
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
2. Clinical study treating 90 cases of Functional
Dyspepsia with the combination Si Ni San Group Treatment Comparison
[Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] with Ban Xia Hou Number 90 30
Po Tang [Pinellia & Magnolia Combination]
Marked Result 36 (40%) 6 (20%)
120 cases of Functional Dyspepsia were divided
into two groups. The treatment group, consisting of Result 47 (52.2%) 16 (53.3%)
90 cases, were given a combination of Si Ni San No Result 7 (7.8%) 8 (26.7%)
[Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] and Ban Xia Hou
Overall Success Rate 92.2% 73.3%
Po Tang [Pinellia & Magnolia Combination] with
additions according to their individual pattern. 30
patients in the comparison group, were given an Evaluation of the clinical data revealed that, in this study,
anti-emetic dopamine antagonist drug. Both groups were a significant part of the Functional Dyspepsia patients
treated for four weeks. displayed mental symptoms such as depression, excessive
worry, anxiety, insomnia or dream disturbed sleep. The
Modifications of Si Ni San [Bupleurum & Zhi Shi disturbance of a balanced mental or emotional state in
Formula] and Ban Xia Hou Po Tang [Pinellia & Magnolia the body affects the normal free-flowing activity of qi in the
Combination] according to individual patterns (to convert body. It is said that “the liver governs free coursing”, which
raw herb quantities into granules, divide by six): means that the liver governs the unobstructed flow of qi
round the body and ensures normal mental and emotional
• Pronounced qi stagnation: Addition of Xiang Fu activities. According to TCM theory, the qi dynamic of
[Cyperus] 12 g, Chen Pi [Citrus] 10 g. the middle burner (spleen/stomach) and its function of
• Spleen/stomach vacuity pronounced: Addition of absorption and distribution of food essence also depends
Dang Shen [Codonopsis] 15 g, Bai Zhu [Atractylodes, on the free coursing of liver qi.
white] 12 g.
• Liver stagnation transforming into fire: Addition of Si Ni San [Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] is indicated
Huang Lian [Coptis] 5 g, Huang Qin [Scute] 12 g, Wu in liver qi stagnation and liver and spleen disharmony.
Zhu Yu [Evodia] 3 g, Pu Gong Ying [Dandelion] 15 g. Ban Xia Hou Po Tang [Pinellia & Magnolia Combination]
• Damage to stomach yin: Addition of Sha Shen is indicated in ascending (counterflow) stomach
[Glehnia] 15 g, Mai Men Dong [Ophiopogon] 15 g. qi manifesting as upper abdominal discomfort
• Pronounced dampness: Addition of Cang Zhu and distension, belching, nausea and vomiting. In
[Atractylodes] 12 g, Bai Dou Kou [Amomum] 5 g. combination, these two formulae address the dominant
• Pronounced pain due to qi stagnation with blood mechanism causing dyspepsia in this study.
stasis: Addition of Wu Ling Zhi [Pteropus] 10 g, Xiang
Fu [Cyperus] 12 g, Yan Hu Suo [Corydalis] 12 g.
OVERVIEW OF FORMULAE COMMONLY USED IN THE TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA
Xiao Chai Hu Tang The most popular formula of the harmonising category, concurrently
[Minor Bupleurum Combination] addresses liver stasis leading to fire, spleen deficiency and phlegm damp.
Si Ni San Main focus on liver qi stagnation: Soothes the liver and resolves
[Bupleurum & Zhi Shi Formula] depression, rectifies qi and stops pain, clears internal heat.
Si Jun Zi Tang Main focus on the spleen: Supplements qi and strengthens the spleen.
[Four Major Herb Combination]
Liu Jun Zi Tang Like Si Jun Zi Tang (see above), but with additional herbs to transform
[Six Major Herb Combination] phlegm.
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Main focus on spleen deficiency with damp-heat: Harmonises the spleen
[Pinellia Combination] and stomach, clears heat, aids descending of stomach qi, relieves
retention of food and fluids in the stomach.
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang Main focus on ascending stomach qi (nausea, vomiting, belching,
[Pinellia & Magnolia Combination] upper abdominal distension) with phlegm-damp: Rectifies and aids the
descending of qi, transforms phlegm and disperses stagnation.
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
TCM Principles
Articles appearing under the heading “TCM Principles” are suitable for graduates of the Sun Ten Self Study
Course and carry footnotes referring to content explained in the course. The articles are ideal to review your
studies and further your knowledge in a particular area of TCM.
Forget Me Not – TCM Theory of Memory
By Dagmar Riley
Dip. TCM
Your memory is very much influenced by your lifestyle – too pattern of forgetfulness is mentioned as “non-interaction
much food and drink, improper rest (too much or too little), of the heart and kidney”.
long-term overwork and late nights – chances are your
memory isn’t at its brightest after the Christmas holidays. In cases of forgetfulness, patterns of deficiency are more
common than repletion patterns. The repletion patterns
In TCM, the three organs involved in the process of generating blood and phlegm stagnation can result from a head injury or
memory are the heart, the spleen and the kidney: arise due to long-term illness and impair mental functioning
such as speech and response to outside stimuli.
Heart
The heart (through shen, the spirit) is responsible for Insufficiency of the Heart and Spleen
clarity of thought. If this function is disturbed, forgetfulness TCM theory states that “the spleen governs thought”. The
will manifest as muddled thinking, poor ability to take in ability for focused thinking depends largely on the spleen.
new information (as this information is not “organised” Conversely, thinking in an imbalanced way, meaning
properly), poor short-term memory and difficulty in cramming for exams or high-pressure intellectual
expressing oneself clearly. The patient may tend to break work without physical exercise, and also brooding and
out in tears due to feeling overloaded with information, thinking in circles while avoiding appropriate action all
even in simple day-to-day situations. tend to damage the spleen. Over-eating or eating the
wrong foods (too sweet, greasy, cold, too much) also
Spleen damage the spleen and will affect the ability to think in
The spleen is responsible for the ability to concentrate. If an efficient, focussed way.
this function is disturbed, forgetfulness will manifest as a
poor ability to focus and hence poor memorisation skills. TCM theory also states that, due to its role of transforming
The patient will find that their mind wanders off easily food into its essence, “the spleen is the source of qi and
and they need frequent breaks when studying. While the blood formation”. An impaired spleen easily leads to
manifestations of spleen qi deficiency can be annoying as blood vacuity. An insufficiency of heart blood in turn will
the patient’s mind is hard to control and wanders despite affect clarity of thought.
hard efforts to concentrate, the patient has no trouble
expressing themselves and does not feel overwhelmed
and emotional as is the case in heart blood deficiency. “If the mother does not rest enough
after childbirth, “mother’s brain” is a
In cases of forgetfulness, heart and spleen deficiencies
tend to appear together, with above symptoms present
common phenomenon.”
in various degrees.
Hence, damage to the spleen involving heart blood
Kidneys deficiency can give rise to inability to concentrate, unclear
The kidneys are associated with storage of memory thinking, difficulty expressing oneself clearly, and poor
by way of kidney essence (jing). As kidney essence short-term memory. Another cause for insufficiency of
naturally declines with age, forgetfulness in the elderly the heart and spleen can be heavy bleeding, for example,
is often related to kidney essence deficiency. However, at childbirth, as both (heart) blood and (spleen) qi are
kidney essence is also consumed through excessive lost. If the mother does not rest enough after childbirth,
sexual activity, drug abuse, long-term physical or “mother’s brain” is a common phenomenon.
mental taxation and stress, frequent late nights, multiple
pregnancies (including miscarriages or terminations) Suitable Formula: Gui Pi Tang [Ginseng & Longan
and severe illness. In elderly patients, forgetfulness Combination] to supplement qi and blood, nourish the
often manifests as poor short-term memory but excellent heart and calm the spirit, and supplement the spleen.
memory of childhood. In younger patients forgetfulness
due to deficiency of essence tends to manifest as poor Non-Interaction of the Heart and Kidney
memory and extreme mental dullness. When kidney yin is depleted (see above), this can
disturb the normal relationship between kidney yin and
Poor lifestyle often first causes damage to kidney yin heart fire and results in “(heart) fire and (kidney) water
prior to damaging kidney essence. Below, the resulting failing to aid each other”. The pattern can also arise due
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
to emotional trauma or shock with heart fire blazing and tying the classical background of the formulae to his
damaging kidney yin. Symptoms include forgetfulness, personal experience. Seminar attendees were provided
insomnia, anxiety (or panic attacks), palpitations, night with a comprehensive manual including modern
sweats, dry mouth and lower back ache. Tongue is red research studies to complete the picture of the formulae
with little coating. and facilitate their use in a field where patients often take
Western drugs alongside their TCM treatment.
Suitable Formula: Yang Xin Tang [Astragalus &
Zizyphus Combination] to nourish the heart and calm
Identifying TCM patterns can be highly confusing,
the spirit with Liu Wei Di Huang Tang [Rehmannia Six
especially as patients tend to visit a TCM Practitioner with
Combination] to supplement kidney yin.
chronic disorders that involve multiple organ systems and
present with multiple patterns. Adding to the confusion
If due to emotional trauma or shock: Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu
is a rich TCM heritage of thousands of formulae, often
Mu Li Tang [Cinnamon & Dragon Bone Combination] to
shrouded in classical language which makes application
strongly calm the spirit and harmonise heart and kidney.
in a modern context difficult. It is rare to have the chance
to listen to a speaker with as much knowledge, rich
Kidney Essence Deficiency
personal experience and down-to-earth practicality
Predominantly in older patients or after severe long-
alongside an obvious love for the Chinese Medicine
term illness. Symptoms include forgetfulness, mental
tradition and who has the talent to communicate his
dullness, aching lower back and weak legs, grey or
experience with humour and sensitivity. Greg Bantick’s
lifeless hair, low libido or impotence, infertility, dizziness,
seminar gave Practitioners a deeper understanding of
tinnitus, pale tongue and vacuous pulse. Therapeutic
the tools we use, encouraging us to think about and use
results tend to be slower and require longer treatment
these formulae in more effective ways.
periods than in younger patients.
We look forward to bringing Greg back for another seminar
Suitable Formula: For kidney essence deficiency due
in 2006. Copies of the seminar manual are available for
to long-term illness: Ren Shen Yang Ying Tang [Ginseng
purchase from customer service (order code: ST01).
Nutritive Combination] to nourish both qi and blood and
consolidate essence.
Most cases of forgetfulness fall into either of these
deficiency patterns. Chinese New Year
The Year of the Dog
OVERVIEW OF FORMULAE COMMONLY USED IN
This year, Chinese New Year begins on January 29
THE TREATMENT OF FORGETFULNESS and is the most important holiday for Chinese families.
Gui Pi Tang To supplement qi and blood, Chinese New Year always starts with the second new
[Ginseng & Longan nourish the heart and calm moon after the winter solstice and ends on the full moon
Combination] the spirit, and supplement the 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the
spleen. Lantern Festival.
Yang Xin Tang To nourish the heart, calm the
[Astragalus & Zizyphus spirit and supplement kidney
Combination] with yin.
Liu Wei Di Huang Tang
[Rehmannia Six
Combination]
Ren Shen Yang Ying Tang To nourish both qi and blood
[Ginseng Nutritive and consolidate essence. The Dog is the eleventh animal among the twelve zodiac
Combination] animals in the Chinese horoscope. People born in the
years 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
are born in the Year of the Dog. Celebrities born in the
Year of the Dog include Sir Winston Churchill, Elvis
Sun Ten Seminar Review Presley, Bill Clinton, Madonna, Andre Agassi, Dolly
Parton and Sylvester Stallone.
Effective Treatment of Mood Disorders The Chinese-Australian community hold a variety
with Greg Bantick a Huge Success of events to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Ever since 1979 the 92-metre long Great Dragon has
The recent Sun Ten Seminar “Treating Mood Disorders
appeared in the streets of Melbourne in Chinatown. In
with Traditional Chinese Medicine” with Greg Bantick
Sydney festivities stretch to three weeks and include a
presented in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane took a
grand parade, Dragon boat, sedan chair races and night
different look at treating mood disorders: Rather than
markets. Brisbane festivities are advertised every year in
examining hypothetical TCM patterns, Greg brought 13
Chinatown supermarkets and restaurants. Have a happy
classical formulae to life with numerous case studies,
and prosperous New Year.
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
Integrated Traditional
and Western Medicine
Ginseng and Longan Combination and its Effect on Memory and Learning.
By Angela Carroll
Adv. Dip. H.Sc - Nat, Adv. Dip H.Sc - Acu, Adv. Dip H.M.
In TCM, the faculties of memory and concentration are receptor binding affinity of these neurotransmitters,
governed by the kidney and spleen, respectively. A third thus increasing brain activity of these important
organ, the heart, governs the mind (shen). The shen neurotransmitters.9 Inadequate levels of serotonin and
incorporates the whole sphere of mental, emotional and dopamine may result in symptoms such as anxiety,
spiritual aspects of the person. Healthy mental function, depression, as well as eating and sleeping disorders.
allowing a clear and enduring
memory, depend on the balanced Benefits in Menopause
interaction of various aspects of the Ginseng and Longan Combination
kidney, spleen and heart,1,2 (see has been administered clinically
Dagmar Riley’s article on page 4 for for several menopausal symptoms,
more detail). such as hot flushes, depression
and insomnia. Research involving
Gui Pi Tang [Ginseng and Longan ovariectomised rats found those
Combination] is a formula that treated with the herbal formula had
addresses these three organs. It improved response to stress. It also
“augments the qi, tonifies the blood, improved results in a radial maze
strengthens the spleen and nourishes test in a dose dependant manner.10
the heart.”3 This places it as an ideal This further supports the use of
formula to improve memory and this traditional formula in improving
concentration, and recent research memory and concentration.
supports this.
With menopause there is often
Ginseng and Longan Combination an increase in blood pressure.
has been found to: The same researchers noted that
• Improve learning, especially in the Ginseng and Longan Combination
elderly; “improved blood pressure levels.”
• Alleviate anxiety and increases Hypertension is associated with
dopamine and serotonin uptake; impairments in cognitive function in
• Reduce negative mental changes “... Ginseng and Longan older adults.11,12,13
in menopause;
• Have a pain relieving effect.
Combination can improve
Effects on Pain Relief
learning performance in Serotonin and noradrenaline block
Effects on Learning Performance the elderly.” pain signalling in the spinal cord
In animal models, research results and brain stem, thus reducing pain
indicate long-term administration sensation. Administration of Ginseng
of Ginseng and Longan Combination can improve and Longan Combination clinically reduces pain; it is
learning performance in the elderly.4,5 Additionally, this suggested that the pain relief action of these herbs may
herbal formula has protective effects against cerebral be related to the serotonergic and noradrenergic pain
ischemia6, thereby protecting brain tissue important for inhibitory system at the supraspinal level.14,15
memory and concentration.
Summary
Anxiolytic In states of anxiety, pain and illness, our memory and
Again in animal models, researchers have noted concentration becomes impaired. Ageing and altered
decreased GABA and benzodiazepine receptor hormonal patterns that occur during menopause also
numbers and sensitivity in the elderly brain. This may reduce our mental clarity. As Practitioners, we know
be responsible, at least in part, for anxiety-related that poor mental function is a sign of other underlying
behaviour. Long-term administration of Ginseng and conditions. Having formulae, such as Ginseng and
Longan Combination results in a significant increase in Longan Combination, that provide researched and
benzodiazepine binding in the brain, which may contribute clinically proven solutions for our patients who are
to the anxiolytic effects of this traditional formula.7,8 concerned about their memory can ease a lot of patients’
(and their family’s) concerns and prevent progression of
As we age, our neurotransmitter receptor sensitivity the underlying causes.
decreases. Long-term administration of Ginseng and
Longan Combination increases serotonin and dopamine References available on request.
Sun Ten Newsletter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2006
SUN1093 - 12/05
