Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule: A Modern Preparation of the Classic TCM Formula for Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
Core Efficacy: Activates blood circulation to remove stasis, regulates qi flow to alleviate pain. Primarily used for treating multisystemic disorders caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. Below is a detailed analysis of its clinical applications:
I. Core Indication: Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qi stagnation and blood stasis refer to a pathological state where qi stagnation impedes blood circulation, leading to internal blood stasis. Common symptoms include:
- Localized Pain: Chest pain, headaches, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), etc., characterized by a stabbing sensation, fixed location, and aggravation at night or during emotional distress.
- Emotional Disturbances: Irritability, depression, anxiety, or associated symptoms like chest oppression and flank distention.
- Physical Signs: Purplish-dark tongue with ecchymosis, wiry-choppy pulse.
II. Modern Medical Applications
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
- Coronary Heart Disease, Angina Pectoris: Relieves chest tightness and pain, improves myocardial blood supply (supported by clinical studies demonstrating coronary artery dilation and increased blood flow).
- Post-Myocardial Infarction Recovery: Assists in microcirculation improvement and reduces complications.
- Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia: Lowers blood viscosity through blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, aiding in blood pressure and lipid regulation.
2. Neurological Disorders
- Chronic Headaches: Effective for migraines, tension headaches, and stagnation-type headaches with long-term recurrence and fixed pain locations.
- Cerebral Insufficiency: Alleviates dizziness and memory decline.
- Neuropathic Pain: Manages trigeminal neuralgia and postherpetic neuralgia (requires syndrome-specific differentiation).
3. Psychiatric and Psychological Disorders
- Anxiety, Depression: Regulates emotions, relieves chest oppression, insomnia, and irritability.
- Insomnia: Improves sleep onset difficulties and fragmented sleep caused by blood stasis.
4. Gynecological Conditions
- Menstrual Disorders, Dysmenorrhea: Regulates menstrual flow and alleviates abdominal pain (particularly effective for dark clotted blood).
- Mammary Gland Hyperplasia: Reduces breast tenderness and nodule texture.
- Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts: Aids in tumor reduction and symptom relief (requires long-term use).
5. Dermatological and Surgical Conditions
- Chloasma, Psoriasis: Enhances microcirculation to fade pigmentation and alleviate dry, scaly skin.
- Traumatic Injuries: Accelerates resolution of hematomas and recovery from traumatic headaches or soft tissue contusions.
6. Other Indications
- Diabetic Complications: Such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (limb numbness, pain).
- Suboptimal Health: Improves fatigue, insomnia, and memory issues linked to qi-blood stagnation.
III. Contraindications and Precautions
- Contraindications: Pregnant women; individuals with hypersensitivity to the product or its ingredients.
- Caution: Patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis (requires combination with qi-tonifying herbs); individuals with weak spleen-stomach (take with meals).
- During Medication: Avoid raw, cold, and spicy foods; maintain stable emotions and adequate rest.
IV. Conclusion
Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule targets qi stagnation and blood stasis syndromes, addressing multisystemic disorders in modern medicine. Its primary value lies in improving microcirculation through qi-activating and blood-invigorating actions, thereby alleviating pain, emotional disturbances, and chronic conditions caused by blood stasis. Clinical application should integrate syndrome differentiation and, when necessary, be guided by physician consultation for combined therapy.