Lindera 15, 100 tablets

Lindera 15 is a formula for treating stagnation of qi and blood. It differs from the bupleurum-based formulas that have a somewhat similar action in that this therapy is more warming and tonifies the kidney. Lindera is a qi regulating herb related to cinnamon (which is also in this formula): both herbs help draw the yang back to the kidney. A traditional combination of bupleurum (in place of lindera), chih-shih, cyperus, licorice, peony, and cnidium is Chaihu Shugan Tang (Bupleurum Soothe the Liver Decoction); it is used for abdominal blood stasis syndrome. Lindera 15 contains additional herbs that treat blood stasis: leonurus, persica, carthamus, moutan, and red peony. The formula is used for treating sharp pain and it includes corydalis (vitalized blood) and melia (regulates qi) for their analgesic effects; these two are commonly added to traditional prescriptions when there is abdominal pain. The combination of weak kidney yang, coldness, liver qi stagnation, and blood stasis is characteristic of the consequence of emotional stress patterns in which fear/anxiety and anger/irritability dominate. Blood stasis, and its accompanying diseases and symptoms, result from prolonged stagnation of qi. A traditional formula called Zhengqi Tianxiang San (Powder of Heavenly Fragrance to Rectify the Qi) has lindera, cyperus, and citrus as key ingredients; indications include treating "diseases of widows, monks, and nuns." The meaning of this is that it addresses qi disturbance caused by living a life separate from the normal family life, and avoiding natural sexual interests. These indications illustrate the concept that one can alleviate with herbs some of the physical stresses that come from various habits and lifestyle choices. For cases dominated by cold and blood stasis, see Lower Palace Tablets.