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Among women's diseases, none is more serious than postpartum disorders. This is because after childbirth, Qi and Blood are severely depleted. Internally affected by the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensiveness, Sorrow, Fear, Fright), and externally exposed to the Six Evils (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire), even slight contact can lead to disease. Moreover, symptoms often resemble those of blood stasis; one should not merely focus on expelling stasis, lest various complications arise. Reading the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), one finds cases where harsh agents like Rhubarb were used. This does not imply that ancient physicians' legislation was flawed; rather, it is because in ancient times, people had sufficient congenital constitution, or lived in the northwest where the soil is firm and rich, making them robust, thus allowing for such treatments. However, in our region (referring to the southeast), people have delicate constitutions and are pampered in deep courtyards; how could they withstand such invasive and draining therapies? This illustrates why medical practice must not be rigidly bound by ancient precedents. Contemporary people often claim that tonification is contraindicated postpartum, fearing blood stasis, and frequently employ drugs like Sappan Wood (*Caesalpinia sappan*) and Safflower (*Carthamus tinctorius*), prioritizing blood circulation. If this leads to unceasing bleeding, syncope and collapse may occur instantly, making emergency treatment difficult. Is this not a cause for fear? Zhu Danxi stated: "Postpartum treatment should primarily focus on greatly tonifying Qi and Blood; even if other symptoms exist, they should be treated secondarily." Wang Kentang stated: "Those who use purgatives postpartum rarely survive." These words are indeed true.

The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: "Newly delivered women suffer from three diseases: first, Spasm (Jing); second, Depression and Vertigo (Yu Mao); third, Difficulty in Defecation. New postpartum blood deficiency with excessive sweating makes one susceptible to Wind, leading to Spasm; loss of blood combined with sweating and excess Cold leads to Yu Mao; loss of body fluids causing Stomach dryness leads to difficulty in defecation." The *Yi Zong Bi Du* explains: "Blood deficiency and sweating cause the sinews and vessels to lose nourishment; Wind invasion exacerbates stiffness, which is a disorder of the sinews. Loss of Yin and blood deficiency cause Yang Qi to reverse and collapse, compounded by Cold stagnation, resulting in dizziness and blurred vision, which is a disorder of the Spirit. The Stomach stores body fluids and distributes them to the Yang meridians; loss of fluids causes Stomach dryness, leading to lack of lubrication in the Large Intestine and difficulty in defecation, which is a disorder of fluids. Although these three diseases differ, they all stem from loss of blood and injury to fluids. Therefore, various postpartum blood-deficiency symptoms can be inferred from this principle, preventing misdiagnosis."

For various postpartum diseases, the primary formula should always be *Shenghua Tang* (Decoction for Generating New Blood), modified according to symptoms. The *Zhulin Temple Secret Manual* commentary on *Shenghua Tang* states: "Postpartum Qi and Blood are suddenly deficient, requiring great tonification. However, since lochia has not yet cleared, tonification must not cause stagnation. Blood can transform old stasis and generate new blood without damaging the original deficiency; combining movement with tonification is the perfect approach." People commonly use *Huisheng Dan* (Life-Returning Pill) to expel the placenta and attack blood masses. Although it shows rapid effects, it inevitably damages Yuan Qi and is not a fine preparation. If used out of necessity, only one pill should be taken, washed down with Ginseng Decoction, to avoid danger. *Shenghua Tang* is named for its medicinal properties and functions. Postpartum stasis must be eliminated, and new blood must be generated. If one focuses solely on eliminating stasis, new blood will not settle; if one focuses solely on generating blood, old stasis will stagnate. Examining the properties: Chuanxiong (*Ligusticum chuanxiong*), Angelica (*Angelica sinensis*), and Peach Kernel (*Prunus persica*) excel at breaking bad blood and rapidly generating new blood. Assisted by Roasted Ginger (*Zingiberis rhizoma preparatum*) and Licorice (*Glycyrrhiza uralensis*), guiding these three into the Lung and Liver meridians to generate blood and regulate Qi, the five ingredients together create a formula where tonification accompanies movement, and generation accompanies transformation. It is truly an essential medicine for postpartum care. Proper modification depends on the clinician's insight.

Regarding postpartum treatment methods: Postpartum conditions caused by worry, fright, fatigue, and overwork lead to sudden Qi and Blood deficiency. If there is Qi stagnation, do not solely use dispersing agents; if there is food retention, do not solely use digestive agents. For Heat, do not use Scutellaria (*Scutellaria baicalensis*) and Coptis (*Coptis chinensis*); for Cold, do not use Cinnamon Twig (*Cinnamomi ramulus*) and Aconite (*Aconiti lateralis radix preparata*). Using cold herbs causes blood masses to bind; using hot herbs causes new blood to flood. Regarding deficiency with external contraction, if Yang-Ming exterior symptoms appear suggesting diaphoresis, using Ephedra (*Ephedrae herba*) postpartum would doubly exhaust Yang. If Yin interior symptoms suggest purgation, using Chengqi Decoctions postpartum would doubly deplete Yin. Deafness and hypochondriac pain indicate stagnant evil blood in the Liver and Kidney; do not use Bupleurum (*Bupleuri radix*). Delirium and sweating indicate Yuan Qi weakness resembling pathogenic factors; do not treat as Stomach excess. Syncope results from decline in Yang Qi and Blood; regardless of cold or heat deficiency, only great tonification can restore Yang and revive weakness. Bi syndrome is due to Yin and Blood deficiency; whether rigid or flexible, only nourishing Ying and relaxing sinews can activate collaterals. Alternating chills and fever with periodic onset resembles Malaria. Treating it as malaria prolongs recovery. Disordered spirit and speech resemble possession; treating it as such invites imminent death. Excessive blood loss causing dry stool can be treated by adding Cistanche (*Cistanches deserticola*) to *Shenghua Tang*, avoiding the harm of Runchang Chengqi Decoction. Excessive sweating causing scanty, painful urination can be treated by doubling Ginseng and Atractylodes (*Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma*) in Liujunzi Decoction to generate fluids and promote urination. Frequent administration of Ginseng-added *Shenghua Tang* can save critical cases; Changsheng Huoluo Decoction can revive those who have stopped eating. Genital prolapse and rectal prolapse are mostly due to Qi deficiency sinking; *Shenghua Tang* can be combined with Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. Trismus and clenched fists result from blood dryness resembling convulsions; Ginseng-added *Shenghua Tang* is suitable. Severe pain from wind entering the vagina requires Qianghuo Yangrong Decoction. Coldness and laxity of the vulva require washing with Bedroot (*Dioscorea nipponica*), Dodder Seed (*Cuscutae semen*), Cornus (*Corni fructus*), and Sulfur. Palpitations resembling Zenithong require *Shenghua Tang* added with calming agents. Hallucinations resembling possession require *Shenghua Tang* added with spirit-calming methods. Qi-deficiency irritability and fullness require *Shenghua Tang* assisted by Costus (*Saussureae radix*). Food-induced acid belching and aversion to food require Liujunzi Decoction assisted by Medicated Leaven (*Medicatis fermentatum*) and Barley Sprout (*Hordei fructus germinatus*). Do not use Sappan Wood or Curcuma (*Curcumae longae rhizoma*) to break blood; do not use Immature Bitter Orange (*Aurantii fructus immaturus*) or Green Tangerine Peel (*Citri reticulatae pericarpium*) to reduce distension. In critical cases of flooding and fainting, or urgent sweat and Qi collapse, continuously decocted Ginseng-added *Shenghua Tang* is paramount. Wang Bing stated: "Treating the lower jiao requires balancing urgency and slowness; slow action yields weak force over long distances, while urgent action yields strong force through concentrated flavors." Zhu Danxi stated: "Postpartum treatment must absolutely avoid releasing the exterior." Thus, for postpartum root-fortification, follow Zhu Danxi; for administration methods, emulate Wang Bing.

**Shenghua Tang Original Formula**
(Proportions adjusted as needed during use)
Chuanxiong (2 qian), White Angelica (4 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (5 fen), Stir-fried Black Dried Ginger (4 fen), Single Peach Kernel (10 grains, skin and tip removed).
Decoct in two cups of water, add half a small cup of aged wine, and take.

**Postpartum Blood Faintness**
Caused by excessive blood loss due to fatigue, leading to Qi exhaustion and spirit confusion. Do not mistake it for evil blood rushing to the heart and administer blood-dispersing agents; do not mistake it for Phlegm-Fire depression and administer descending agents. Use Modified *Shenghua Tang*.
Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1.5 qian), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Peach Kernel (10 grains, skin and tip removed), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Charred Schizonepeta (5 fen).
If sweating is excessive, add Ginseng (1 qian).

**Postpartum Cold Extremities (Jue Ni)**
Caused by spleen injury from overwork, where the isolated organ cannot distribute Qi to the four limbs, causing cold feet and upward-rising Jue Qi. The Classics state: "Yang Qi declining below leads to Cold Jue." Use Ginseng-added *Shenghua Tang* and Zirong Fushen Decoction.

**Ginseng-added Shenghua Tang**
Ginseng (1 qian), Chuanxiong (1.5 qian), Angelica Root (4 qian), Peach Kernel (10 grains), Honey-fried Licorice (5 fen), Roasted Ginger (5 fen), Tanged Red Peel (4 fen, stir-fried with salt water).

**Zirong Fushen Decoction**
Chuanxiong (1 qian), Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian, processed), Astragalus (2 qian, honey-fried), Ginseng (1.5 qian), Danggui (3 qian), Prepared Rehmannia (3 qian, stir-fried), Ophiopogon (1 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (3 fen), Schisandra (10 grains), Poria with Hostwood (2 qian), Prepared Aconite (4 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen, stir-fried).
If constipation occurs, add Cistanche (1.5 qian).

**Postpartum Flooding**
If blood is purple with clots, indicating residual bad blood, use original *Shenghua Tang* plus Lycopodium Leaf (Ze Lan Ye, 1.5 qian). If blood is bright red and heavy, possibly due to heart injury from fright, liver injury from anger, or spleen injury from labor, causing failure to govern, store, or control blood, with severe damage to Yin collaterals, use Shengju *Shenghua Tang*.
Ginseng (1.5 qian), Processed Atractylodes Macrocephala (1.5 qian), Angelica Root (2 qian, stir-fried until charred), Honey-fried Astragalus (1 qian), Prepared Rehmannia Char (3 qian), Charred Schizonepeta (4 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen, stir-fried), Cimicifuga (3 fen, honey-fried), Angelica Dahurica (3 fen, stir-fried until charred), Chuanxiong (6 fen, stir-fried in salt water), Light Aconite (2 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen).
If sweating is excessive, add Huai Wheat (4 qian, roasted).

**Postpartum Shortness of Breath Resembling Asthma**
Caused by sudden massive blood loss, causing Qi to rush upward. Spleen fails in transportation, unable to send essence to the Lungs, resulting in short breathing and disjointed speech. Urgently administer Ginseng-added *Shenghua Tang* and Xuqi Yangrong Decoction. Mistaking this for Phlegm-Fire and prescribing Qi-scattering or Phlegm-resolving formulas causes much error.

**Xuqi Yangrong Decoction**
Angelica Root (4 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Ginseng (1.5 qian), Honey-fried Astragalus (1 qian), Processed Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian), Prepared Rehmannia Char (3 qian), Tangerine Peel (4 fen, stir-fried).
If irritability and thirst occur, add Ophiopogon (1.5 qian) and stir-fried Schisandra (10 grains). If constipation, add Cistanche (2 qian). If food stagnation, add stir-fried Medicated Leaven (8 fen), Charred Hawthorn (1 qian), and Amomum (3 fen). If sweating is excessive, add stir-fried Floating Wheat (4 qian). If hands and feet are cold, add Light Aconite (3 fen).

**Postpartum Delirium and Hallucinations**
Caused by dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, leaving the Hun and Po without foundation. Do not mistake this for demonic possession, spray talisman water, or use ritual rulers to frighten, as this often leads to untreatable conditions. Zhu Danxi said: "Deficiency diseases resemble possession." He also said: "To drain the pathogen, one must tonify the deficiency." Use Anshen Dingzhi *Shenghua Tang*.
Stir-fried Sour Date Kernel (1.5 qian), Polygala (4 fen, stir-fried), Biota Seed (1.5 qian, do not crush), Stir-fried Ophiopogon (1.5 qian), Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Peach Kernels (7 grains, skin and tip removed), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Charred Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Ginseng (5 fen), add Longan Aril (5 pieces).

Excessive blood loss risks Blood Collapse; shortness of breath risks Qi Collapse; excessive sweating with delirium risks Spirit Collapse. Although Blood is Yin and Qi is Yang, the urgency of scattering Essence and departing Hun is no different. Unless thick medicines and urgent prescriptions are decocted strongly and taken frequently, rescue is impossible. Use Dabu *Shenghua Tang*.
Ginseng (1.5 qian), Prepared Rehmannia (4 qian), Honey-fried Astragalus (1.5 qian), Light Aconite (3 fen), Schisandra (10 grains), Processed Winter Atractylodes (1 qian), Ophiopogon (1.5 qian), White Peach Kernel (8 grains), Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (8 fen), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (3 fen).

**Postpartum Food Stagnation**
Caused by physical fatigue and dual deficiency of Spleen and Stomach. Lack of appetite but forced feeding leads to Stomach accepting reluctantly and Spleen failing to transport. Food stagnates causing fullness, belching of rotten smells, and acid regurgitation. Must strengthen Spleen and assist Stomach with mild digestive herbs to resolve food and relieve distension. Never use harsh purgatives that damage Yuan Qi. Use Jianpi Xiaoshi *Shenghua Tang*.
Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Charred Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian), Charred Medicated Leaven (1 qian), Charred Barley Sprout (1 qian), Tangerine Peel (5 fen, stir-fried), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen).
If meat consumption caused it, add Charred Hawthorn (1 qian) and Amomum (4 fen), or rub with flour fried in silk bag with a little Mirabilite for better stability.

**Postpartum Anger and Qi Reversal**
Chest fullness and discomfort due to anger and Qi reversal. Use Muxiang *Shenghua Tang*.
Roasted Costus (2 fen), Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen, stir-fried).

**Postpartum Malaria-like Symptoms**
Alternating chills and fever, occurring periodically. This is Yuan Qi deficiency allowing easy invasion of external pathogens; do not treat as ordinary malaria. With sweating, use Zirong Fuzheng Huaxie *Shenghua Tang*; without sweating and with headache, use Jiawei Yangwei Decoction.
Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Ginseng (1 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Ophiopogon (1.5 qian), Tangerine Peel (4 fen, stir-fried), Honey-fried Astragalus (8 fen), Agastache (3 fen), Charred Schizonepeta (6 fen), Fresh Ginger (4 fen).
Decoct in river or well water.

**Modified Yangwei Decoction**
Danggui (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1.2 qian), Agastache Stem (4 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Ginseng (1 qian), Charred Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian), Poria (1.5 qian), Processed Pinellia (8 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen), Ginger Peel (2 fen), Wine-stir-fried Bupleurum (3 fen).

**Postpartum Headache on the Seventh Day**
Internal and external headache with aversion to cold resembles Taiyang syndrome; tidal fever and spontaneous sweating with constipation resembles Yangming syndrome; alternating chills and fever with bitter taste and hypochondriac pain resembles Shaoyang syndrome. All result from dual Qi and Blood deficiency and Yin-Yang disharmony. Those treating it like external contraction Cold Damage must not lightly assume postpartum weakness allows for heavy Cold Damage treatment with Mahuang or Chaihu decoctions. After blood loss, heavy diaphoresis causes irreversible double deficiency. Zhang Zhongjing said: "One who has lost blood must not be sweated." Zhu Danxi said: "Postpartum treatment must absolutely avoid releasing the exterior." Ancient sages' theories are profound. Even if genuine Cold Damage exists, Chuanxiong and Ginger in *Shenghua Tang* can disperse pathogens. The *Neijing* states: "Northwest Qi is scattered and cooled; Southeast Qi is warmed and gathered." Same disease, different treatment. Postpartum is always deficiency; regardless of north or south, warm tonification with slight acrid dispersion is appropriate. Use Quxie *Shenghua Tang*.
Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1.5 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Notopterygium (4 fen), Peach Kernel (10 grains, skin and tip removed), Saposhnikovia (4 fen), Scallion White (7 cun).
If deficient, add Ginseng (5 fen).

**Postpartum Headache with Dry Mouth**
Headache, dry mouth and throat with thirst resembles Shaoyin syndrome; abdominal pain with fluid dryness and solid stool resembles Taiyin syndrome; sweating, delirium, constipation, and spasms resemble Jueyin syndrome. Mostly caused by fatigue injuring Spleen, delayed transformation, exhaustion of Qi and Blood, and dry intestines. This is deficiency mimicking excess; Chengqi Decoctions must absolutely not be used. Use Yangzheng Tongyou Decoction.
Danggui (4 qian), Chuanxiong (1.5 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen), Peach Kernel (10 grains, skin and tip removed), Cistanche (1 qian), Hemp Seed (1 qian).
If sweating is excessive, add Ginseng (1 qian) and Astragalus (1 qian). If thirsty, add Ginseng (1 qian) and Ophiopogon (1.5 qian). If abdominal fullness and fluid dryness, add Ginseng (1 qian) and Areca Peel (1 qian). If sweating, delirium, and constipation, add Ginseng (1 qian), Prepared Sour Date Kernel (2 qian), Biota Seed (2 qian), Poria with Hostwood (2 qian), Polygala Meat (4 fen), Ophiopogon (1.5 qian).

**Postpartum Blood and Qi Exhaustion**
Sudden depletion leaves bones unmourned, causing sudden trismus, locked jaw, and limb spasms, resembling Stroke. Do not use Stroke formulas. The Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood and Vessels; when empty, joints cannot move smoothly. Treat first with *Shenghua Tang* to generate new blood. If critical, use Zirong Huoluo Decoction.
Prepared Rehmannia (3 qian), Ginseng (1 qian), Honey-fried Astragalus (1 qian), Angelica Root (4 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Poria with Hostwood (1.5 qian), Gastrodia (6 fen, roasted), Ophiopogon (1 qian), Schizonepeta (4 fen), Saposhnikovia (4 fen), Notopterygium (3 fen), Tangerine Peel (4 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen).
If phlegm, add Processed Pinellia (1 qian), Ginger Juice (1 spoon), Bamboo Sap (1 spoon). If food stagnation, add Charred Hawthorn (1.5 qian), Charred Medicated Leaven (1 qian). If constipation, add Biota Seed (2 qian), Cistanche (1.5 qian). If palpitations, add Prepared Sour Date Kernel (2 qian). If confused speech, add stir-fried Polygala Meat (4 fen), Stir-fried Acorus (4 fen), Stir-fried Sour Date Kernel (2 qian).

**Postpartum Unremitting Sweating**
Sign of Yang Collapse. Sweat is the Fluid of the Heart and Kidney. Blood loss causes great Heart-Kidney deficiency; urgently tonify Heart and Kidney. Benefit Ying and Wei, guide blood back to source, and sweating will stop. Use Buyang Yiyin *Shenghua Tang*.
Ginseng (1.5 qian), Prepared Rehmannia (3 qian, stir-fried), Honey-fried Astragalus (2 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Oyster Shell (2 qian), Processed Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian), Peach Kernel (6 grains, skin and tip removed), Floating Wheat (a pinch).
If thirsty, add Ophiopogon (1.5 qian) and Schisandra (10 grains).

**Postpartum Dry Tongue and Thirst with Dysuria**
Caused by blood loss or excessive sweating. Treat by assisting Spleen and benefiting Lungs, regulating Qi and Blood, so fluids generate and urination becomes free. Never use Scutellaria, Coptis, Anemarrhena, or Phellodendron to descend, or Wuling San to promote urination. Use Shengjin Zhike Yishui San.
Honey-fried Astragalus (1.5 qian), Ginseng (1.5 qian), Prepared Rehmannia (3 qian, stir-fried), Schisandra (10 grains), Ophiopogon (2 qian), Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Poria (1.5 qian), Raw Licorice (3 fen), Honey-fried Cimicifuga (3 fen).

**Postpartum Urinary Incontinence**
Due to Qi and Blood deficiency failing to secure Kidney Qi. Use Jiawei *Shenghua Tang*.
Salt-water stir-fried Alpinia Oxyphylla (4 fen), Oyster Shell (3 qian), Northern Schisandra (10 grains), Angelica Root (2 qian), Honey-fried Astragalus (1 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Peach Kernel (10 grains, skin and tip removed), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Prepared Rehmannia (3 qian), Raspberry (8 fen), Dodder Seed (1 qian, stir-fried), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen).

**Postpartum Diarrhea**
Not like general diarrhea with undigested food and water. Mostly due to Qi and Blood deficiency leading to food accumulation and dampness injury. Combine elimination and tonification. Use Jiawei Shenling *Shenghua Tang*.
Earth-stir-fried Atractylodes Macrocephala (1 qian), Ginseng (1 qian), Poria (2 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Danggui (2 qian, earth-stir-fried), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Charred Medicated Leaven (5 fen), Charred Barley Sprout (8 fen), Guangpi (4 fen), Lycopodium (1 qian).
If cold, add Fresh Ginger (1 slice) and Jujube (2 pieces). If heat, remove Roasted Ginger, add Dendrobium Officinale (3 qian). If pain, add Roasted Costus (4 fen). If worse at dawn, add Roasted Nutmeg (4 fen).

**Postpartum Undigested Food**
Caused by fatigue injuring Spleen and delayed transport. Or excessive eating injuring Spleen and Stomach while blood clots remain unresolved. This is Spleen failure and Stomach weakness. First take Xiangsha *Shenghua Tang*, then Jiawei Shenling Baizhu San.

**Xiangsha Shenghua Tang**
Amomum (3 fen, stir-fried and ground), Alpinia Oxyphylla (3 fen, stir-fried), Earth-stir-fried Angelica Root (3 qian, stir-fried until charred), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Charred Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Lycopodium (1.5 qian), Charred Rice Crust (5 qian).

**Jiawei Shenling Baizhu San**
Ginseng (1 qian), Earth-stir-fried Atractylodes Macrocephala (1.5 qian), Poria (2 qian), Earth-stir-fried Angelica Root (3 qian), Chuanxiong (1 qian), Roasted Ginger (4 fen), Honey-fried Licorice (4 fen), Stir-fried Alpinia Oxyphylla (3 fen), Lycopodium (1.5 qian), Wine-stir-fried Charred White Peony Root (8 fen), Guang...