🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Systemic lupus erythematosus belongs to the category of "Zhou Bi" in TCM, with multi-system damage corresponding to "Five Zang Bi." In treatment, Liu Wansu’s "Xuan Ming Lun Fang" states: "This type of bi does not cause pain but spreads throughout the body, hence named 'Zhou Bi,' treated with Da Dou Nie San." The pathogenesis and pattern of Zhou Bi is "One Root, One Manifestation, Five Obstructions," thus treatment should focus on reinforcing the root and eliminating pathogens while resolving obstruction. However, the root deficiency refers to constitutional deficiency and five zang insufficiency, with varying degrees of organ involvement and imbalance of qi, blood, and yin-yang; the manifestation of excess refers to interlocking phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the triple burner, with varying types and degrees of stagnation; the five obstructions refer to blocked qi and blood circulation forming organ obstructions, with differing degrees of obstruction in each organ. Treatment must distinguish priorities and treat based on clinical syndromes. Common syndromes under the "One Root, One Manifestation" pathogenesis include phlegm-blood obstruction with intense heat toxicity; liver-kidney yin deficiency with internal false heat; spleen-kidney yang deficiency with qi-blood deficiency; five zang deficiency with lingering pathogens. During disease progression, organ damage leads to "Lung Bi," "Heart Bi," "Spleen Bi," "Liver Bi," "Kidney Bi," requiring treatment tailored to each organ obstruction.
1. Syndrome Differentiation Based on Pathogenesis
1.1 Phlegm-Blood Obstruction with Intense Heat Toxicity
Clinical Presentation: Butterfly-shaped rash on face or facial redness, high fever (>38.5°C) or irregular fever, joint pain or generalized musculoskeletal pain, oral ulcers, dry mouth and throat, hair loss, dark urine, dry or loose stools, red-purple tongue, white or yellow coating, slippery or surging rapid pulse. White blood cell count and platelet count normal or reduced, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, normal or slightly positive urine protein, possible minor serous effusion, positive antinuclear antibodies with high titer, positive relevant antibodies, elevated IgG, decreased complement C3.
Pattern Analysis: This syndrome commonly appears in acute flare-ups of systemic lupus erythematosus or sudden exacerbations due to improper steroid withdrawal, or triggered by external infection or overwork in stable phase. TCM believes this syndrome arises from constitutional deficiency with phlegm-blood obstruction, which transforms into fire over time, compounded by external pathogenic factors triggering latent disease, internal fire accumulating, leading to intense heat toxicity and the aforementioned symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Clear heat and detoxify, clear qi and cool blood.
Formula: Modified Lupo Jiedu Fang: Scutellaria 10g, Honeysuckle Vine 15g, Forsythia 15g, Anemarrhena 10g, Raw Gypsum 30g, Raw Rehmannia 15g, Cortex Moutan 10g, Herba Hedyotis 15g, Millettia 15g, Antelope Horn Powder 3g, Artemisia 10g, June Snow 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula clears both qi and blood, detoxifies, and removes fire—primary formula for active systemic lupus erythematosus. For persistent high fever, gypsum can be increased to 60–100g; for butterfly rash or redness, increase raw rehmannia, add purple grass; for joint or generalized pain, increase honeysuckle vine, add windproof vine and eucommia; for low blood cells or platelets, add Sophora root and madder root.
1.2 Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Internal False Heat
Clinical Presentation: Butterfly-shaped facial rash, skin photosensitivity, or dark red facial rash, red spots on hands and nail beds, rashes, fever or subjective internal heat, five-palm heat, dry mouth and throat, insomnia with vivid dreams, sore waist and fatigue, red eyes, irritability, gingival bleeding, red tongue with little or thin yellow coating, fine rapid or rapid pulse. Blood cell count reduced or normal, possible proteinuria, slightly accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive relevant antibodies, decreased complement, elevated or normal immunoglobulin.
Pattern Analysis: Seen in milder systemic lupus erythematosus patients or chronic active phase, or after steroid treatment without full control. TCM believes this syndrome results from primary liver-kidney yin deficiency, compounded by phlegm-blood obstruction, leading to internal false heat symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Tonify liver and kidney, nourish yin and clear heat.
Formula: Modified Lupo Yangyin Fang: Raw Rehmannia 15g, Angelica 10g, Goji Berry 10g, Cornus Fruit 10g, June Snow 10g, Scutellaria 10g, Honeysuckle Vine 10g, Scrophularia 10g, Trichosanthes Root 10g, Polygonum 10g, Poria 10g, Ligustrum 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula nourishes liver and kidney, clears heat, and nourishes yin. For pruritic lupus, add cicada shell and red peony; for raised or thickened facial lesions with redness, add mountain bean root and herba hedyotis; for sore waist and fatigue, add prepared rehmannia and eucommia; for irritability, add white peony and bupleurum; for persistent low-grade fever, add artemisia and lycium bark; for restlessness, add gardenia. This is the fundamental syndrome in chronic active systemic lupus erythematosus, thus this treatment is widely applied.
1.3 Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency with Qi-Blood Deficiency
Clinical Presentation: Long-standing illness, recurring for years, pale or sallow complexion, fatigue, poor sleep, sensitivity to cold or heat, afternoon flush, irregular low-grade fever, cold extremities, Raynaud’s phenomenon in hands, dull hair prone to breakage and shedding, reduced menstrual flow, possible edema, pale tongue with tooth marks, white coating, fine pulse. Low blood cells, low pigment, persistent proteinuria, positive relevant antibodies but low titers, immunoglobulins normal or low.
Pattern Analysis: Commonly seen in long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus patients or those long-term using immunosuppressants, reducing body resistance, or due to destruction of formed elements in blood by red cell or other blood cell antibodies. TCM believes prolonged illness reduces excess, depleting spleen-kidney, impairing qi-blood production, clinically presenting as qi-blood deficiency and spleen-kidney deficiency, dominated by deficiency symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Strengthen spleen and kidney, tonify qi and nourish yin.
Formula: Modified Lupo Shuangbu Fang: Astragalus 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Raw and Prepared Rehmannia 15g each, Cornus Fruit 15g, Angelica 15g, Goji Berry 15g, Eucommia 15g, Du Zhong 15g, Turtle Shell Gelatin 10g, Loquat Seed 15g, Alisma 15g, Poria 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula strengthens spleen and kidney, tonifies qi and blood. Used for long-standing, physically weak systemic lupus erythematosus patients or those in post-intensive Western medicine treatment, in a state of deficiency. Depending on the degree of qi-blood-yin yang deficiency, use astragalus or raw rehmannia as principal herb, both can be used at 60g or more. For Raynaud’s phenomenon, add ligusticum, cinnamon twig, Corydalis, and artemisia.
1.4 Five Zang Deficiency with Lingering Pathogens
Clinical Presentation: Long-standing illness with recurrent episodes, facial rash dark or pigmentation persisting, subjective sensation of facial heat, no explosive flare-up, fatigue, lethargy, irritability, oral ulcers, shortness of breath, poor appetite, lower limb edema, sore waist and knees, pale white or pale red tongue, possibly swollen tongue with tooth marks and ecchymosis, white coating, deep fine or fine rapid pulse. Mild to moderate anemia, normal or reduced white blood cells, normal or slightly accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, low immunoglobulins, positive relevant antibodies.
Pattern Analysis: Seen in long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus with physical weakness and chronic recurrent activity, or due to multi-organ involvement causing organ dysfunction. TCM believes this syndrome results from five zang deficiency, with lingering phlegm-blood, or due to low resistance causing repeated external infections, where deficiency cannot expel pathogens, leading to recurrent activity and various deficiency symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Balanced tonification of five zang, reinforce the body and eliminate pathogens.
Formula: Modified Lupo Butong Fang: Astragalus 15g, Chinese Yam 15g, Angelica 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Codonopsis 15g, Honeysuckle Vine 15g, Loquat Seed 15g, Arrowhead 15g, Ligustrum 15g, White Peony 15g, Ligusticum 15g, Poria 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula balances tonification of five zang and eliminates pathogens. Used for chronic active systemic lupus erythematosus. Since this syndrome is primarily deficiency with lingering pathogens, treatment should prioritize tonifying deficiency while moderately eliminating pathogens. If disease activity is evident, using large amounts of pathogen-eliminating herbs may fail due to severe deficiency, so adding some pathogen-eliminating herbs to the foundation of tonifying five zang achieves ideal results.
2. Syndrome Differentiation Based on Organ Obstruction
2.1 Lung Bi Treatment
2.1.1 Qi-Yin Deficiency with Phlegm-Heat Obstruction
Clinical Presentation: Cough, sticky phlegm or foamy phlegm, chest tightness and shortness of breath, progressive dyspnea, shortness of breath with exertion, dry mouth and irritability, pale or dull complexion, recurrent low-grade fever, possibly accompanying other systemic lupus symptoms, pale tongue with white coating, moist and rapid pulse. Chest X-ray shows linear and small nodular shadows in both lungs. White blood cell count reduced, slight proteinuria possible, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive relevant antibodies, increased white blood cells with infection, related changes on lung films.
Pattern Analysis: This represents lupus pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis due to lupus affecting the lungs. Due to qi-blood obstruction, lung meridians damaged, lung qi not nourished, lung yin not distributed, resulting in qi-yin deficiency and phlegm transforming into heat, obstructing the lungs.
Treatment Principle: Tonify qi and nourish yin, resolve phlegm and clear heat.
Formula: Modified Lupo Buxi Fang: Astragalus 15g, Raw Rehmannia 15g, American Ginseng 15g, Ophiopogon 15g, Mulberry Bark 15g, Bamboo茹 15g, Platycodon 10g, Fritillaria 10g, Scutellaria 10g, Atractylodes 15g, Poria 15g, Loquat Seed 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. Increase Fritillaria and Loquat Seed to 30–40g. Add fish mint and bitter herb if infection is evident; add rosin and sandalwood for marked shortness of breath; add hundred parts and schisandra for severe cough; add fresh bamboo juice for difficult expectoration.
2.1.2 Lung Qi Deficiency with Fluid Accumulation in Chest and Flanks
Clinical Presentation: Chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain worse with turning, facial redness or pallor, joint pain, red tongue, greasy coating, slippery rapid pulse. Chest X-ray shows large pleural effusion, pleural thickening, or encapsulated fluid collection, white blood cell count decreased (increased with infection).
Pattern Analysis: This is lupus pleuritis with pleural effusion. Due to obstruction of lung meridians, fluid circulation impaired, fluid accumulates in chest and flanks. Unlike ordinary suspensive fluid, this effusion requires special attention to treating the underlying disease.
Treatment Principle: Tonify lung qi, remove fluid, and drain water.
Formula: Modified Lupo Juan Yin Fang: Astragalus 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Raw Rehmannia 15g, Coix Seed 15g, Schisandra 10g, Ephedra 15g, Citrus Aurantium 10g, Mulberry Bark 15g, Loofah 15g, Corydalis 10g, Honeysuckle Vine 15g, Loquat Seed 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for lupus pleuritis with pleural effusion. Avoid draining fluid; instead, promote lung function and resolve fluid. Use Ephedra up to 30–40g, paired with Coix Seed and Atractylodes to strengthen spleen and lung, enhancing fluid removal. Pair Loofah and Honeysuckle Vine to promote circulation and resolve fluid. For concomitant pericardial and joint effusions, add mustard seed, mulberry branch, and eucommia.
2.2 Heart Bi Treatment
2.2.1 Heart Qi Deficiency with Heart Blood Deficiency
Clinical Presentation: Palpitations, shortness of breath, worse with exertion, severe cases unable to lie flat, dizziness, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, dry mouth, cold extremities, possibly other lupus activity symptoms, pale or dark tongue with white coating, intermittent or weak rapid pulse. Markedly elevated myocardial enzymes, ECG shows myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, ultrasound shows pericardial effusion, other lupus tests abnormal.
Pattern Analysis: This results from lupus myocarditis or pericarditis. Myocardial damage causes myocardial weakness, heart failure, or affects conduction system causing arrhythmia. Heart governs blood vessels; deficiency of heart qi and blood leads to obstruction, causing the above symptoms and intermittent pulse.
Treatment Principle: Tonify qi and blood, nourish the heart and calm the spirit.
Formula: Modified Lupo Baixin Fang: Astragalus 15g, Ginseng 10g, Licorice 10g, Schisandra 10g, Ophiopogon 10g, Polygonum 10g, Eucommia 10g, Angelica 10g, Citrus Aurantium 10g, Salvia 15g, Cordyceps 10g.
Clinical Application: This treatment strengthens myocardial nutrition, restores damaged myocardial cell function. Derived from Baoyuan Tang and Wuweizi Tang, this formula is modified into Lupo Baixin Fang. Clinically, it can be combined with Tianwang Buxin Dan or add lingzhi, jujube seed, raw rehmannia to enhance nourishing effect. Also add ligusticum, sanqi, red peony, safflower to improve myocardial perfusion.
2.2.2 Phlegm-Turbidity Obstruction with Blood Stasis in Vessels
Clinical Presentation: Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness and fullness, or palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, possibly other lupus activity symptoms, white greasy or slippery coating, dark tongue with ecchymosis or petechiae, slippery rapid or weak intermittent pulse. Elevated myocardial enzymes, ECG shows myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, ultrasound may show pericardial effusion, positive relevant antibodies.
Pattern Analysis: This presents symptoms of lupus cardiovascular inflammation, myocardial ischemia, or lupus pericarditis. Due to phlegm-turbidity obstruction and blood stasis in heart vessels, causing chest obstruction and pain. Must differentiate from primary TCM chest obstruction; treatment should focus on the underlying lupus disease.
Treatment Principle: Resolve phlegm, calm the heart, activate blood, and resolve stasis.
Formula: Modified Lupo Zhu Yu Fang: Persica 10g, Carthamus 10g, Ligusticum 10g, Red Peony 10g, Raw Rehmannia 10g, Pinellia 10g, Citrus Peel 10g, Citrus Aurantium 10g, Trichosanthes 15g, Loquat Seed 15g, June Snow 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for myocardial ischemia in systemic lupus erythematosus. If lupus activity causes excessive platelet reduction with bleeding tendency, reduce blood-activating herbs and add qi-tonifying herbs like astragalus and ginseng to promote blood flow. For predominant phlegm-turbidity obstruction, add bamboo茹, Coix Seed, and Poria.
2.3 Liver Bi Treatment
2.3.1 Liver-Spleen Deficiency with Damp-Heat and Blood Stasis
Clinical Presentation: Dull pain in the flank, nausea, poor appetite, possible mild jaundice, dark facial rash, palpable mass in the flank, yellow urine, dry stools, dark pale tongue, yellow greasy coating, wiry fine or wiry slippery pulse. Reduced white blood cells, decreased plasma protein, inverted albumin-globulin ratio, elevated transaminases, ultrasound shows partial liver fibrosis or hepatosplenomegaly.
Pattern Analysis: This is lupus hepatitis, relatively rare in lupus. Liver damage leads to abnormal liver function and digestive symptoms. Prolonged illness causes liver fibrosis, requiring prompt control of lupus activity. Due to qi-blood obstruction in liver meridians causing liver bi, damp-heat and phlegm invade spleen and stomach, obstructing qi movement, causing the above symptoms—early treatment is essential.
Treatment Principle: Soothe liver, strengthen spleen, activate blood, and resolve dampness.
Formula: Modified Lupo Yanggan Fang: Bupleurum 10g, Scutellaria 10g, Dandelion 15g, Artemisia 15g, Astragalus 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Poria 15g, Curcuma 15g, Loquat Seed 15g, Coix Seed 15g, Citrus Peel 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for lupus hepatitis. In early stages with significant liver function impairment, increase Artemisia and Scutellaria, add Schisandra and Ligustrum. For prolonged fatigue and palpable mass, add turtle shell and softshell turtle, increase Astragalus and Atractylodes. For liver fibrosis, besides turtle shell and softshell turtle, add blood-activating herbs like Persica, Carthamus, Salvia, and Curcuma.
2.3.2 Liver Qi Stagnation with Liver Fire Rising
Clinical Presentation: Dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, epileptic-like convulsions, even coma and convulsions, or agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, obsessive thoughts, etc. Pale or red tongue, yellow coating, wiry slippery pulse. Reduced white blood cells, positive anti-cardiolipin antibody, CT shows corresponding changes in cerebral vessels.
Pattern Analysis: This represents central nervous system damage during lupus flare-up. Liver qi stagnation transforms into fire, heart-liver fire rises, scorching the clear orifices, causing the above symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Soothe liver, resolve stagnation, clear heart, calm the spirit.
Formula: Modified Lupo Qinggan Fang: Scutellaria 10g, Gentiana 10g, Coptis 10g, Lotus Seed 10g, Gastrodia 10g, Bupleurum 10g, White Cowhage 10g, Raw Rehmannia 10g, Gardenia 10g, Artificial Buffalo Horn 3g, Water Buffalo Horn 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for lupus encephalopathy. For psychiatric symptoms, add magnetite, jujube seed, and far-eastern arrowroot; for phlegm, add bamboo stone and blue stone; for convulsions, add centipede and scorpion; for cerebrovascular accident, treat according to stroke differentiation.
2.4 Spleen Bi Treatment
2.4.1 Disharmony of Spleen and Stomach with Impaired Ascending and Descending Functions
Clinical Presentation: Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and distension, increased bowel movements or constipation, severe cases may have vomiting, abdominal distension, no defecation, no bowel sounds (intestinal obstruction). Pale red tongue with thick greasy coating, wiry or deep wiry or slippery pulse. Physical examination may show gastric or intestinal obstruction, enteritis, etc.
Pattern Analysis: This is gastrointestinal damage in lupus, causing spleen-stomach dysfunction, spleen qi not ascending, stomach qi not descending.
Treatment Principle: Strengthen spleen and harmonize stomach, ascend clear and descend turbid.
Formula: Modified Lupo He Wei Fang: Citrus Peel 10g, Pinellia 10g, Perilla Leaf 10g, Coptis 10g, Citrus Aurantium 10g, Citrus Peel 10g, Scrophularia 10g, Raw Rehmannia 10g, Rhubarb 10g, Magnolia 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for lupus gastrointestinal damage. Primarily targeting gastrointestinal dysfunction. For deficiency type, add Evodia, cinnamon twig, and cardamom; for acid regurgitation, add clam shell, Buddha’s hand, and bergamot; for stomach pain, add cardamom and white cardamom; for intestinal obstruction, combine with surgical treatment.
2.4.2 Spleen Deficiency with Impaired Transformation and Transportation, Qi-Blood Deficiency
Clinical Presentation: Low-grade fever or subjective internal heat, pale complexion, fatigue, poor appetite, sore waist and legs, pale tongue with white coating, fine weak pulse. Markedly reduced blood cells, or generalized elevation of muscle enzyme spectrum.
Pattern Analysis: This is blood system damage in lupus, causing pancytopenia, or lupus-induced muscle weakness. Spleen governs muscles; spleen failing to transform and transport leads to lack of nourishment throughout the body, causing the above symptoms.
Treatment Principle: Tonify qi and strengthen spleen, generate blood and harmonize blood.
Formula: Modified Lupo Gui Pi Fang: Astragalus 15g, Codonopsis 15g, Angelica 15g, Raw and Prepared Rehmannia 15g each, Cornus Fruit 15g, White Peony 10g, Ligusticum 10g, Licorice 10g, Poria 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Deer Antler Slice 10g, Rooster’s Testicle 10g.
Clinical Application: This formula is the main treatment for lupus blood system damage and pancytopenia. For very low blood cells and hemoglobin, add donkey-hide gelatin and deer antler gelatin; for low white blood cells, add sophora root and cordyceps; for low platelets, add madder root and persimmon leaf; for muscle weakness, add loquat seed, salvia, ginseng, and honeysuckle vine.
2.5 Kidney Bi Treatment
2.5.1 Kidney Yin Deficiency with Leakage of Essence and Nutrients
Clinical Presentation: Low-grade fever, subjective internal heat, five-palm heat, facial rash, sore waist and fatigue, red tongue with little coating, fine rapid pulse. Persistent proteinuria, urine protein (+2 to +4), 24-hour urine protein quantification usually >2g, possible blood cell reduction, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibody, positive anti-Sm antibody.
Pattern Analysis: Lupus nephritis is the most common organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Initially presents with proteinuria, later progressing to renal failure. Due to kidney yin deficiency, internal false heat, kidney failing to retain essence, leakage of nutrients, primarily manifested as proteinuria.
Treatment Principle: Nourish yin, clear heat, tonify kidney, and consolidate essence.
Formula: Modified Lupo Dihuang Wan: Raw Rehmannia 15g, Cortex Moutan 10g, Chinese Yam 15g, Cornus Fruit 10g, Alisma 10g, Poria 10g, Astragalus 15g, Arrowhead 15g, Scrophularia 10g, Ligustrum 10g, White Flower Snake Tongue Grass 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula is commonly used for lupus nephritis. Based on Liuwei Dihuang Wan, with a small addition of astragalus to tonify qi. If internal heat and toxin are evident, add dodder and dandelion; for urinary difficulty, add plantain seed and stone fern; for back pain, add eucommia.
2.5.2 Yin-Yang Deficiency with Internal Retention of Fluids
Clinical Presentation: Pale complexion, darkening of rash, sore waist and fatigue, cold extremities, mild throat discomfort with heat sensation, lower limb edema, even generalized edema or ascites, pale tongue with white coating, deep or deep-slippery or deep-wiry slippery pulse. Anemia, heavy proteinuria, severe hypoproteinemia, elevated blood urea nitrogen, positive relevant antibodies, ultrasound shows inflammatory kidney damage.
Pattern Analysis: This results from long-standing lupus nephritis with massive protein leakage, causing hypoproteinemia and ascites, often accompanied by anemia and hypertension. Prolonged illness progresses from yin deficiency to yang deficiency, resulting in dual deficiency of yin and yang, impaired fluid transformation, leading to fluid retention and this condition.
Treatment Principle: Nourish yin and assist yang, promote diuresis and reduce edema.
Formula: Modified Lupo Buxin Fang: Epimedium 15g, Raw and Prepared Rehmannia 15g each, Cornus Fruit 15g, Alisma 15g, Poria 15g, Hoelen 15g, Red Bean 15g, Astragalus 15g, Atractylodes 15g, Plantain Herb 15g, White Flower Snake Tongue Grass 15g.
Clinical Application: This formula is commonly used for edema in lupus nephritis. Long-standing lupus nephritis often evolves from kidney yin deficiency to dual deficiency of yin and yang, making balanced tonification the standard approach. Avoid using hot herbs like aconite or cinnamon to prevent further yin injury. Also avoid nephrotoxic drugs. If severe "edema" or "Guangge" (severe obstruction) occurs, treat separately. In summary, Zhou Bi is the fundamental disease of systemic lupus erythematosus, with unique disease patterns and fixed diagnostic criteria. When qi-blood obstruction focuses on a particular organ, it becomes Five Zang Bi, representing a variant and progression of Zhou Bi. Treatment should be tailored to each organ’s syndrome. However, the underlying pathogenesis of widespread obstruction in Zhou Bi remains unchanged, merely shifting focus. Thus, clinical treatment of each organ obstruction must consider the overall disease. Moreover, the main pathogenesis change is five zang deficiency and pathogen obstruction of the triple burner. Therefore, treatment should constantly adjust to tonify five zang qi-blood and unblock triple burner qi movement. Herbs like Astragalus, raw rehmannia, Chinese yam, schisandra, and white peony become commonly used across all stages of treatment.