Tao Hong Si Wu Tang: Herbal Support for Blood Health and Pain Relief
- Hongji Medical
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, or Peach and Safflower Four-Substance Decoction, is a renowned Chinese herbal formula from Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Medicine).
Building on the classic Si Wu Tang, it combines four core herbs—angelica root, Sichuan lovage, white peony root, and rehmannia—with peach kernel and safflower to enhance blood nourishment and circulation.
Known as the “first prescription for gynecology,” this formula excels at treating menstrual irregularities, pain, and skin issues caused by blood deficiency and stagnation. Its gentle yet effective blend makes it a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern clinical practice.
The Foundation of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is an enhanced version of Si Wu Tang, a foundational gynecological formula revered for centuries. Si Wu Tang’s four herbs—angelica, Sichuan lovage, white peony, and rehmannia—work in harmony to nourish and regulate blood, aligning with the natural cycles of the body.
By adding peach kernel and safflower, Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (also called Jiawei Si Wu Tang) boosts blood circulation and clears stagnation, making it ideal for more complex conditions involving blood stasis.
Core Herbs of Si Wu Tang
Angelica Root (Dang Gui): Warm and sweet, angelica nourishes blood, promotes circulation, and relieves menstrual pain. It also moistens the intestines to ease constipation and supports skin health, making it a favorite for women’s wellness. When soaked in wine, it emphasizes blood flow and pain relief.
Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang): Sweet and slightly warm, cooked rehmannia nourishes blood and yin, strengthens the liver and kidneys, and supports vitality. It helps with pale complexion, dizziness, irregular periods, and low energy.
Sichuan Lovage (Chuan Xiong): Pungent and warm, this herb invigorates blood and qi, dispels wind, and relieves pain. It’s excellent for headaches, premenstrual discomfort, and anxiety, earning its nickname as a “blood-qi medicine.”
White Peony Root (Bai Shao): Bitter and slightly cooling, peony nourishes blood, calms the liver, and eases pain. It regulates menstruation, reduces sweating, and soothes abdominal or joint discomfort.
Si Wu Tang nourishes blood gently, avoiding stagnation or overheating, making it a balanced tonic for blood deficiency.
Added Power of Peach Kernel and Safflower
Peach Kernel (Tao Ren): Bitter and neutral, peach kernel breaks up blood stasis, promotes circulation, and supports new blood formation. It acts on the heart, liver, lungs, and intestines, relieving pain and constipation. Note: Raw peach kernels contain toxic amygdalin and must be processed for safe use—never eat them directly, especially during pregnancy or wound healing.
Safflower (Hong Hua): Warm and pungent, safflower enhances blood flow, clears stasis, and regulates menstruation. It’s often used in foot soaks or teas for pain relief. Note: Safflower is distinct from saffron, a different herb with separate uses.
Together, peach kernel and safflower amplify Si Wu Tang’s ability to move blood, making Tao Hong Si Wu Tang a dynamic remedy for blood stasis.
How It Works
In TCM, blood stasis occurs when blood flow slows or pools, causing pain, menstrual issues, or skin problems. Stasis can stem from:
Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress or liver qi blockage slows blood flow.
Cold: External cold or internal yang deficiency constricts blood vessels.
Heat: Excess heat thickens blood, impeding circulation.
Trauma: Injuries cause localized blood pooling.
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang addresses these by:
Clearing Blood Stasis: Peach kernel and safflower break up blockages, promoting smooth blood flow.
Nourishing Blood: Angelica, rehmannia, and peony replenish blood to prevent deficiency.
Regulating Qi: Sichuan lovage ensures energy flows freely, reducing pain and tension.
Balancing Yin and Liver: Rehmannia and peony nourish yin and calm the liver, supporting overall harmony.
This dual action of moving and nourishing blood makes the formula effective for both acute and chronic conditions.
What Does It Treat?
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang targets symptoms of blood stasis and deficiency, including:
Menstrual Irregularities: Early, late, heavy, or scanty periods with dark, clotted, or sticky blood, often with abdominal pain.
Pain: Headaches, chest pain, abdominal discomfort, or joint pain caused by poor circulation.
Skin Issues: Dull complexion, pigmentation, acne, or roughness due to blood stagnation.
Other Symptoms: Insomnia, palpitations, chest tightness, or fatigue.
The formula promotes microcirculation in the skin, heart, brain, and pelvis, improving overall health and vitality.
Modern Applications
Modern research confirms Tao Hong Si Wu Tang’s benefits, including vasodilation, anti-inflammatory effects, immune regulation, and blood lipid reduction. Its clinical uses extend beyond gynecology to:
Gynecological Health: Treats dysmenorrhea, functional uterine bleeding, and menopausal symptoms by regulating hormones and easing pain.
Cardiovascular Issues: Improves blood flow in coronary heart disease, relieving angina and supporting heart health.
Kidney Conditions: Enhances renal circulation in chronic glomerulonephritis, reducing inflammation and improving kidney function.
Vascular Diseases: Manages thromboangiitis by clearing blood stasis and reducing pain.
Skin and Pediatric Conditions: Supports treatment of eczema, allergic reactions, or pediatric blood deficiency.
Eye and ENT Issues: Aids in managing conjunctivitis or sinus problems by improving circulation.
Women, in particular, benefit from this formula due to blood loss from menstruation and childbirth, which can lead to deficiency and stasis. Its ability to nourish and move blood makes it a versatile remedy across medical fields.
Therapeutic Recipe: Peach and Safflower Pork Rib Soup
For a nourishing meal, try this Tao Hong Si Wu Tang-inspired dish:
Ingredients: 500g pork ribs, 10g peach kernel, 5g safflower, 10g each of angelica, rehmannia, white peony, Sichuan lovage, ginger slices, salt.
Method:
Blanch pork ribs in boiling water to remove impurities.
Add ribs, herbs, ginger, and 1.5L water to a pot.
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 1.5–2 hours until ribs are tender.
Add salt to taste and serve warm.
Benefits: This delicious soup nourishes blood, promotes circulation, and supports overall wellness, perfect for regular meals.
Important Notes
Pregnancy and Menstruation: Avoid use, as peach kernel and safflower’s strong blood-moving effects may cause complications.
No Blood Stasis: Long-term use without stasis can overstimulate circulation, disrupting balance.
Bleeding or Wounds: Use cautiously during recovery or with bleeding tendencies, under medical supervision.
Professional Guidance: Consult a TCM practitioner to ensure proper use and dosage.
Conclusion
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is a powerful yet gentle Chinese herbal formula that nourishes blood, clears stasis, and relieves pain. Built on the classic Si Wu Tang with angelica, rehmannia, white peony, and Sichuan lovage, it gains extra strength from peach kernel and safflower.
From menstrual issues and pain to heart health and radiant skin, its benefits are vast, backed by modern research and centuries of use. With careful use under professional guidance, this formula is a trusted ally for women’s health and beyond, offering balance and vitality in a natural, time-tested way.
