From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), general signs of blood deficiency include dry skin, pale complexion, poor sleep, menstrual cycles with scanty flow, lightheadedness, dry stool and/or lack of energy. Blood deficiency is particularly common in women due to the loss of menstrual blood. Si Wi Tang Pian strongly addresses blood deficiency, with emphasis on Liver blood.

The Liver in TCM is responsible for maintaining a normal menstrual cycle. Si Wu Tang Pian is particularly suited to cases of blood deficiency with menstrual irregularities. Si Wu Tang Pian regulates the Chong Mai and Ren Mai, major meridians associated with reproduction. The Heart also depends on sufficient nourishment from Liver blood.

Si Wu Tang Pian is an important formula in cases presenting with the above symptoms and a pale tongue and a thin pulse.

Si Wu Tang Pian is an elegant, foundational blood tonic formula composed of just four Chinese herbs. The herbs in this formula fall into two groups, based on the role they play in the formula. The first group, consisting of Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia root) and Bai Shao (Peony), directly tonify the blood. Shu Di Huang has a powerful tonifying effect on the blood and Yin, particularly of the Liver and Kidneys. Shu Di Huang also tonifies the Jing or essence. Bai Shao also nourishes the Liver.

The second group of herbs, consisting of Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root), regulate the Qi of the blood to dispel and prevent blood stasis, which often develops from blood deficiency. Dang Gui tonifies the blood without cloying and even invigorates the blood, a rare combination for herbs in the blood tonic category. Chuan Xiong is a blood-invigorating herb, well known for its ability to address issues of menstrual cramp associated with insufficient Qi and blood circulation.

Together, these four medicinals compose an elegant, well balanced and highly regarded Classical formula for the treatment of blood deficiency.