Shi Quan Da Bu Tang: A Classic Remedy for Energy and Vitality
Hongji Medical- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, or "Ten Complete Great Tonic Decoction," is a beloved Chinese medicine recipe from the Song Dynasty’s Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang. For over a thousand years, it’s been a go-to for boosting energy and nourishing blood, used both as a medicinal remedy and a nourishing soup.
This powerful blend combines ten herbs to restore balance, ease fatigue, and support overall health. In this guide, we’ll explore its ingredients, benefits, and modern uses in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
What’s in Shi Quan Da Bu Tang?
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is a blend of two classic formulas—Sijunzi Decoction and Siwu Decoction—plus two extra herbs for added strength. Here’s the breakdown:
Sijunzi Decoction (Four Gentlemen Decoction): Boosts energy (qi) with:
Ginseng: Enhances vitality and fights fatigue.
White Atractylodes: Supports digestion and reduces bloating.
Poria (Tuckahoe): Calms the mind and drains excess dampness.
Licorice: Harmonizes the formula and soothes the stomach.
Siwu Decoction (Four Substances Decoction): Nourishes blood with:
Chinese Angelica: Promotes blood flow and eases menstrual discomfort.
Chuanxiong (Lovage Root): Improves circulation and relieves pain.
White Peony Root: Calms and nourishes blood.
Rehmannia (prepared): Strengthens kidneys and supports blood production.
Astragalus: Supercharges energy, strengthens immunity, and supports healing.
Cinnamon: Warms the body, improves circulation, and boosts the formula’s energy-enhancing effects.
Together, these herbs create a balanced tonic that lifts energy, nourishes blood, and warms the body, making it ideal for those feeling weak or run-down.
What Does It Do?
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is designed to treat “qi and blood deficiency,” a condition where low energy and poor blood flow cause symptoms like:
Pale or sallow complexion
Tiredness and low energy
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath or palpitations
Cold hands and feet
Loss of appetite
Irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding
Slow-healing sores or ulcers
It’s also great for relieving various pains linked to low energy and blood, such as:
Joint pain (elbows, knees, or heels)
Muscle cramps (calves or hands)
Nerve pain (like trigeminal neuralgia)
General body aches
Beyond pain, it helps with systemic issues like frequent tiredness, blurry vision, easy sweating, or feeling jumpy. By restoring energy and blood, it supports the body’s natural balance and resilience.
Who Can Benefit?
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is perfect for anyone with signs of low energy or blood, often seen in:
Women with Menstrual Issues: Helps with irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or menstrual pain.
Post-Surgery or Illness Recovery: Speeds up healing and restores strength.
People with Anemia: Boosts red blood cell production to combat fatigue and paleness.
Chronic Conditions: Supports those with ongoing illnesses, like tumors or low white blood cell counts, by boosting immunity.
Nervous System Issues: Eases symptoms of nerve-related conditions, like chronic fatigue or facial nerve issues.
Older Adults: Counters weakness, poor circulation, or sleep troubles.
If your pulse feels weak or thin, or your tongue looks pale with a thin white coating, this tonic might be a good fit. Always check with a doctor to confirm.
How Does It Compare to Other decoction?
To understand Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, it helps to compare it to related recipes:
Siwu Tang (Four Substances decoction): Focuses on nourishing blood with Chinese angelica, chuanxiong, white peony, and rehmannia. It’s great for menstrual issues or pale skin but can be too warming or heavy for those with hot constitutions (prone to acne or dry mouth) or weak digestion. Avoid if you have uterine fibroids or breast cancer without a doctor’s guidance.
Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen decoction): Boosts energy with ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, and licorice. It’s ideal for tiredness, weak digestion, or dull complexion and works for both men and women, despite being nicknamed a “gentlemen’s” formula.
Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures decoction): Combines Siwu and Sijunzi for a balanced qi-and-blood tonic. It’s great for post-illness recovery or low immunity but should be avoided during colds, menstruation, or by those with weak digestion until properly conditioned.
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang takes Bazhen Tang up a notch by adding astragalus and cinnamon, making it warmer and more powerful for severe energy and blood deficiency. It’s like a supercharged version for those needing extra support.
Modern Uses
Modern research backs Shi Quan Da Bu Tang’s traditional uses and reveals new applications:
Anemia and Bleeding: Its blood-nourishing herbs boost red blood cell production and help with chronic bleeding, like gastrointestinal issues.
Post-Surgery or Illness: Enhances immunity and speeds recovery by rebuilding strength.
Gynecological Health: Improves fertility, regulates periods, and eases conditions like mastitis.
Nervous System Support: Helps with nerve-related issues, like chronic fatigue, hives, or Meniere’s disease.
Chronic Diseases: Supports cancer patients or those with low white blood cell counts by boosting immunity and energy.
Other Conditions: Used for ulcers, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, leukemia, vision loss, or skin diseases as a complementary therapy.
How to Enjoy It as a Soup
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang makes a delicious, warming soup, perfect for chilly fall or winter days.
Ingredients
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang herb pack (available at Chinese medicine shops)
Lean pork or chicken (500g)
Water (8–10 cups)
Optional: Ginger slices or goji berries for flavor
Instructions
Soak and rinse the herbs thoroughly.
Place herbs, meat, and water in a pot.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2–3 hours until flavorful.
Strain, season with salt, and serve warm.
Tips
Consult a doctor before cooking, especially if you’re new to Chinese medicine.
Avoid during colds, menstruation, or if you’re prone to feeling overheated or have digestive issues.
Who Should Avoid It?
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is warming, so it’s not for everyone. Skip it if you:
Have a cold, fever, or infection.
Are menstruating.
Have gastroenteritis or severe skin ulcers.
Have a “hot” constitution (mouth sores, acne, or dry mouth).
Have uterine fibroids or breast cancer (consult a doctor first).
Always use under a doctor’s guidance, especially for long-term use or chronic conditions.
Final Thoughts
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is a time-tested tonic that restores energy, nourishes blood, and supports overall wellness. Whether you’re recovering from illness, managing menstrual issues, or simply feeling drained, this blend of ten herbs offers a gentle yet powerful boost. Its versatility as both a medicine and a hearty soup makes it a staple in Chinese healing traditions.
