To balance the organ systems at the changes of season, I have developed a series of herbal formulas to administer to my patients. During the seasonal node of Winter Begins, I am recommending to patients that they utilize the formula for winter / water-element / Kidneys which I call Blue Fish. One bottle will last for two weeks and is available upon request from the pharmacy at my office.
Blue Fish is a Chinese herbal formula designed to strengthen the Kidneys and balance the water element. The ingredients promote healthy functioning of the Kidneys and urogenital system by regulating fluid metabolism and elimination. The formula also acts to strengthen the bones and skeletal system; increase metabolic fire; nourish the reproductive organs; and regulate growth and development. It can be used to treat lethargy, back and knee pain, insomnia, forgetfulness, slow metabolism, frequent urination, fear, lack of motivation, and depletion that arises from overwork It facilitates a smooth expression of Will that is rooted in self-esteem, and lends the clarity of water to aid in the seeing and knowing of oneself that arises from stillness.
Balancing the Organs and Elements with the Seasons
Chinese thought marks the seasons with the subtle changes that begin 6 weeks prior to the equinoxes and solstices, the time of matured and peaked energy that marks the seasons in the West. This period is a good time to treat and balance the organs and systems of the body, which are easily disturbed by the changing conditions.
Ingredients in Blue Fish
Cooked Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Conquitae– Shu Di Huang – Foxglove Root Rehmannia is a black, tarry root that is the original source of the heart medication digitalis. It is the single most important herb for the Kidneys in Chinese medicine. It nourishes the blood and enriches yin, supplements the essence and boosts the marrow. It is sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Heart, Liver and Kidney meridians.
Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis – Du Zhong – Eucommia Bark This herb is commonly used for low back pain. It strengthens the spine, firms the knees, loosens the tendons, and lowers blood pressure. It supplements the Liver and Kidneys, and strengthens the sinews and bones. It is sweet and warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.
Semen Cuscutae Chinensis – Tu Si Zi – Dodder Seeds Cuscuta is a balanced, strengthening herb for the Kidneys. It is one of the ingredients in the Chinese essence tonic formula called Five Seeds of Creation. It enriches and supplements the Liver and Kidneys, secures the essence and reduces urination, brightens the eyes, and stops diarrhea. It is sweet, acrid, and warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.
Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactifloriae – Bai Shao – White Peony Root Peony is the main herb in Chinese medicine for softening the Liver. It relaxes spasm and tightness anywhere in the body, and is a main herb for pain. It nourishes the blood and regulates menstruation, constrains yin and stops sweating, soothes the liver and stops pain, levels and subdues liver yang. It is bitter, sour, and slightly cold, and enters the Liver and Spleen meridians.
Radix Dioscoreae Oppositae – Shan Yao – Chinese Yam Root Chinese yam is often used as a food item. It aids the body in receiving nourishment, helping with sweet cravings and unsatisfied appetite. It supplements the Spleen and nourishes the Stomach, engenders fluids, supplements the Kidneys and secures the essence. It is sweet and level, and enters the Spleen, Lung and Kidney meridians.
Fructus Corni Officinalis – Shan Zhu Yu – Asiatic Cherry Cornus is used to restrain, constrain, secure and astringe. It provides a quality of firming and holding to the Kidneys, as a bowl provides a vessel for water. It supplements and boosts the Liver and Kidneys, stabilizes the Kidneys and secures the essence, and stops sweating. It is sour and slightly warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.
Radix Angelicae Sinensis – Dang Gui – Angelica Root One of the more well known Chinese herbs in the West, angelica is used primarily for its ability to move the blood. It relieves pain and aids in movement by providing increased blood flow to the muscles. It supplements the blood, quickens the blood, stops pain, and moistens the intestines. It is sweet, acrid, bitter, and warm, and enters the Heart, Liver and Spleen meridians.
Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae – Rou Gui – Cinnamon Bark This is one of the most warming herbs used in Chinese medicine. Unlike the spice which acts on the exterior of the body, cinnamon bark warms the interior. It supplements fire and invigorates yang, scatters cold and stops pain, warms and frees the flow of channels and vessels. It is acrid, sweet, and hot, and enters the Kidney, Spleen, Heart and Liver meridians.
Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae – Yi Zhi Ren – Alpinia Fruit Known as “benefit wisdom kernel,” alpinia is added to this formula for its ability to contain the will and prevent spilling from the Kidneys. It warms the Spleen, opens the Stomach, warms the Kidneys, secures the essence, and reduces urination. It is acrid and warm, and enters the Spleen and Kidney meridians.
Radix Polygalae Tenuifoliae – Yuan Zhi – Chinese Senega Root Polygala is used to treat brooding and pent-up emotions. It is used in this formula for its ability to aid in getting unstuck. It nourishes the Heart and quiets the spirit, moistens the intestines and frees the flow of stool. It is sweet and level, and enters the Heart, Kidney and Large Intestine meridians.