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After childbirth, Qi and Blood are suddenly deficient; theoretically, major tonification is required. However, there is a concern that lochia (postpartum discharge) has not yet fully cleared. When using tonifying herbs, one must ensure they do not cause blood stasis; the formula should be able to resolve stasis while simultaneously generating new blood. When using purgative herbs to break masses, one must avoid damaging Yuan Qi (Original Qi); the method of moving Qi and Blood should also incorporate tonification. Only by prescribing comprehensively can one achieve perfection and avoid errors. In modern times, people use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) to manage postpartum conditions, which has misled many. This is because Shu Dihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) is cold in nature and causes blood stagnation, and Shaoyao (Peony Root) is sour and cold, lacking tonifying properties.

Postpartum pain caused by lochia is called "Erzhen Tong" (Fetal Pillow Pain). People often focus exclusively on resolving stasis first, then discuss tonification, or use mixed formulas for both resolving and tonifying. They fail to realize that although old blood should be resolved, new blood must also be generated and nourished. If one focuses solely on attacking old blood, the new blood will not remain tranquil.

People use Jikun Dan (also known as Jiusheng Dan) to treat postpartum conditions, using it to attack blood masses, expel the placenta, and induce abortion. While this shows rapid efficacy, it inevitably damages Yuan Qi. For safe deliveries, it should not be regarded as a good remedy. Jikun Dan should only be used when absolutely necessary to expel the fetus, placenta, or blood masses. Only one pill should be taken, not more, followed immediately by decoctions for tonification.

Miaoying Wan treats retained food and meat accumulation after childbirth. This results from physical exhaustion injuring the Spleen and Stomach. Families who do not manage care well may overconsume rich flavors, sleep deeply causing further injury, leading to reduced stomach intake but slow Spleen transportation. Food retention causes fullness, belching, and acid regurgitation. This is old phlegm wrapping around food, unable to be digested or guided out. It is appropriate to take three to five pills, followed immediately by decoctions for tonification.

This illustrates the principle: "In acute cases, treat the branch (symptoms); in chronic cases, treat the root (cause)."

Shenghua Tang is named based on the properties and functions of its herbs. Postpartum blood masses should be resolved, and new blood should be generated. Resolving only leads to unrest in new blood; generating only leads to stagnation of old blood. Examining the properties of the herbs, Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Chuan Danggui (Sichuan Angelica Root), and Tao Ren (Peach Seed) are excellent at breaking old blood and rapidly generating new blood. They are assisted by Zhi Hei Ganjiang (Charred Dried Ginger) and Gancao (Licorice Root) to guide these three herbs into the Lung and Liver meridians, generating blood and benefiting Qi. The combination of these five ingredients ensures that tonification accompanies movement, and generation accompanies resolution. It is truly the sacred medicine for postpartum conditions, hence the name. For pregnancies reaching eight or nine months, according to the prescription below, it is named Shenghua Tang:

Chuanxiong (2 liang) Chuan Danggui (5 qian) Taoren (Peach Seed) Ganjiang (Dried Ginger, charred) Gancao (Licorice Root, each 5 qian)

Taoren must have skin and tips removed, pounded into a paste for use. Ganjiang must be blackened, soaked in vinegar thoroughly, and stir-fried until black. Prepare two to three doses. Once the membranes rupture, quickly decoct one dose and administer immediately after the baby is born, regardless of normal delivery or miscarriage. For young and robust women with safe deliveries, taking two doses is advisable to resolve masses and generate blood.

Another version of Shenghua Tang: Chuanxiong (3 qian) Chuan Danggui (8 qian) Taoren (10 grains, skin and tips removed) Ganjiang (4 fen, stir-fried black) Gancao (2 qian, roasted)

Decoct the above in two zhong of water until reduced to seven-tenths. Add six or seven tea spoons of wine, and drink slightly warm. Reviewing this last dose along with the previous two doses, decoct them together. Administer continuously within one or two shichen (hours), before eating. This will rapidly resolve lower jiao blood masses and rapidly grow new blood, preventing fainting. Moreover, after taking one dose, the patient's spirit gradually improves, so frequent medication is not tiresome. If treating routine symptoms, taking one dose daily cannot reverse critically depleted Qi and Blood. For those weak before pregnancy, exhausted after childbirth, or suffering from heat-induced miscarriage, do not limit the number of doses; continue until the illness recedes. If the puerpera is severely exhausted with hemorrhage and pale complexion, add Renshen (Ginseng Root) 3-4 qian and administer frequently without worry.

Jia Shen Shenghua Tang (Shenghua Tang with Ginseng) treats various critical postpartum syndromes; all can take this formula.

Chuanxiong (2 qian) Chuan Danggui (4 qian) Ganjiang (4 fen, stir-fried black) Gancao (5 fen, roasted) Taoren (10 grains, skin and tips removed) Renshen (Ginseng Root) 3 qian or 2 qian, depending on urgency. For very critical cases, increase Renshen to 5-6 qian. Add three Jujubes (Chinese Date). Decoct in water, drink, and decoct the dregs again.

Modifications:

After delivery, if sweating is profuse and fatigue is severe, take this formula with added Renshen 3-4 qian.

After delivery, if unable to expel the placenta due to weakness, or feeling fatigued, take this formula.

If constitutionally weak before pregnancy and showing deficiency signs after childbirth, take this formula.

If suffering from diarrhea before pregnancy and fatigue after childbirth, take this formula with added Renshen 4-5 qian.

For excessive sweating, add Mahuanggen (Ephedra Root) 2 qian, Huangqi (Astragalus Root) 1 qian, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) 5 fen.

For cold feet, add Renshen 4-5 qian, Fuzi (Aconite Root) 4 fen; if accompanied by sweating, also add Renshen and Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 1 qian.

For shortness of breath, add Renshen 4 qian.

For Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), add Maidong 1 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit) 10 grains.

For dry stool, add Congrong (Cistanche Stem) 1 qian.

For irritability, add Zhuru (Bamboo Shavings) one pill.

For cold cough, add Xingren (Apricot Seed) 10 grains, Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) 5 fen.

For wheezing and rapid breathing, add Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) 1 qian, Xingren 10 grains, Jiegeng 5 fen.

For phlegm, add Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root) 8 fen, Zhuli (Bamboo Juice) half a wine cup, Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) a little.

For postpartum blood mass pain, use Shenghua Tang as the main formula. After the pain from blood masses subsides, use Jia Shen Shenghua Tang as the main formula.