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 Summer Begins, I am recommending to patients that they utilize the formula for summer / fire-element / Heart which I call Red Horse. One bottle will last for two weeks and is available upon request from the pharmacy at my office.
Red Horse is a Chinese herbal formula designed to strengthen the Heart and balance the fire element. The ingredients promote healthy functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system by increasing microcirculation, energy, and oxygenation of the blood; reducing swelling and inflammation, platelet aggregation, and blood lipids; and promoting healing and tissue regeneration. It can be used to treat fatigue, shortness of breath, poor memory and circulation, high cholesterol, muscle cramping and chronic pains, injuries, and emotional depression.
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 Red Horse
Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae – Dan Shen – Salvia Root Salvia is the most heavily researched and commonly used herb in the treatment of cardiovascular health in China today. It quickens the blood, dispels stasis, clears heat and soothes irritability. It is bitter and slightly cold, and enters the Heart, Pericardium and Liver meridians.
Radix Pseudoginseng – San Qi – Pseudoginseng Root This herb is the main ingredient of the famous Chinese patent Yunnan Paiyao, used for treatment of acute injury and bleeding. It transforms stasis, quickens the blood, reduces swelling and alleviates pain. It is sweet, slightly bitter and warm, and enters the Liver and Stomach meridians.
Fructus Crataegi – Shan Zha – Hawthorne Berry Hawthorne is a delicious fruit commonly consumed as a candy in China. It aids in the digestion of foods, particularly meats and fats. It disperses food, transforms accumulations, quickens the blood, and scatters stasis. It is sour, sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Spleen, Stomach and Liver meridians.
Radix Panacis Quinquefolii – Xi Yang Shen – American Ginseng Root Cooler and more moistening than other varieties of ginseng, this herb is so highly valued in China that it is actually imported from America. It strongly supplements the Spleen and the source qi, tonifies the Stomach and fortifies the Lungs, engenders fluids, restores the pulse, benefits the Heart and calms the spirit. It is sweet and slightly cold, and enters the Spleen, Lung, Heart and Stomach meridians.
Flos Carthami Tinctorii – Hong Hua – Safflower Flower Safflower is a common spice that is often used in gynecological treatment, sometimes combined with peach kernels. It quickens the blood, dispels stasis, frees the channels and alleviates pain. It is acrid and warm, and enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae – Gui Zhi – Cinnamon Twigs Cinnamon is one of the most important and frequently used Chinese herbs. Its warm nature balances the cooling properties of American ginseng and coptis in the formula. It resolves the exterior, warms the channels and disperses cold, invigorates yang and transforms the qi, strengthens Heart yang, and stops pain. It is acrid, sweet and warm, and enters the Lung, Heart and Bladder meridians.
Rhizoma Coptidis Chinensis – Huang Lian – Golden Thread Rhizome A small dose of Coptis is added to the formula to quell heat that accumulates in the heart due to stress, dietary imbalances and the warmth of summer. It clears Heart fire, and treats irritability and insomnia. It is bitter and cold, and enters the Heart, Stomach, Liver, Gall Bladder and Large Intestine meridians.