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All diseases occurring after childbirth are traditionally treated with modifications of Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). Why? Because the formula contains Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), which are acrid and warm, assisted by Di (Rehmanniae Radix) and Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), which are cold and cool. The balance of warmth and cold is moderate, seemingly without risk. However, one fails to realize that Siwu Tang is an excellent remedy for various miscellaneous gynecological disorders, but it is highly inappropriate for use postpartum. Upon examining the intent of classical formulas, I understand that Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) should be stir-fried repeatedly with wine to remove its sour and cold nature, retaining only its ability to generate and invigorate blood. One might also add Hei Jiang (Scorched Zingiberis Rhizoma), which is acrid and hot, as an assistant; what harm would there be in this? Others argue that Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) has a clear, slightly sour, and astringent nature, making it most suitable for conditions where Yin Qi (Vital Energy of Yin) dissipates, thus claiming it is a crucial herb for postpartum care. But observing that it is prepared by wine-frying, one can infer that other harsh, cold, and cooling herbs are unsuitable.

I consider that Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) should be strictly contraindicated during the first three to five days after delivery. If some time has passed since delivery, and it is thoroughly processed with wine to serve as an assistant to other herbs, it may be acceptable. However, Sheng Di (Rehmanniae Radix Recens) in Siwu Tang is even colder; it directly enters the Blood aspect and damages the Spleen and Stomach, causing greater harm. Some suggest substituting Shu Di (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) to tonify True Yin, calling it most appropriate. Yet, they fail to consider that Shu Di has a cloying and stagnant nature, which further impedes smooth blood circulation. Although Xiong and Gui provide some counteracting movement, their effect is weak, making it unsuitable for newly delivered women. Generally, women who have just given birth suffer from deficiency of both Qi and Blood; their constitution retains the desiccating energy of Autumn and Winter, lacking the generative spirit of Spring and Summer. Therefore, they must avoid cold and cool substances and strongly benefit from warm medicines to support the source of generation and nourishment. Thus, Mr. Danxi stated that Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) destroys the generative Qi and should be prohibited; this holds profound meaning. I sigh at those in the world who indiscriminately use Siwu Tang for postpartum conditions; why do they not reflect upon this?

Regarding Shenghua Tang (Life Generation Decoction): All postpartum syndromes arise because Qi and Blood suddenly descend, leading to a severe depletion of Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). Therefore, medication differs from standard methods. For cases of extreme deficiency that cannot wait, one must employ vigorous tonification while adding warming and moving herbs. Vigorous tonification provides strong power to promote circulation, while warming and moving herbs ensure fluidity without stagnation. As for formulas that expel stasis, even in excess patterns, harsh and aggressive drugs should not be used. Moreover, postpartum deficiency is significant; if Blood loses its mastery, allowing the drug's force to act unchecked, it may lead to unstoppable flooding (Beng Lou). Deficiency leads to collapse, a situation as irreversible as spilt water. After a major illness, when both Qi and Blood are deficient, regulation and tonification are still necessary; how much more so for the severe deficiency of the Spleen, Stomach, Qi, and Blood after childbirth? Current practitioners treat postpartum conditions by acknowledging that Yuan Qi is depleted by delivery, causing dysregulation of movement and retention of Blood Stasis, leading to various diseases. They insist on expelling stasis first, believing tonification can only follow once stasis is cleared. Some even use Huisheng Dan (Revival Pill) to attack blood masses and expel the placenta, resulting in death. This approach knows only to attack old stasis but ignores the harm done to new Blood. It fails to recognize that while masses must be resolved, new Blood must also be generated. Focusing solely on elimination prevents new Blood formation; focusing solely on generation causes old Blood to stagnate. In my examination of formulas for new deliveries, none surpass Shenghua Tang as the premier miracle formula for postpartum care. Its ingredients—Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Tao Ren (Persic Semen)—warm the middle and move Blood, effectively removing old Blood and rapidly generating new Blood. Assisted by Zhi Hei Gan Jiang (Prepared Scorched Ginger Rhizoma) and Zhi Cao (Prepared Licorice Root), these three herbs are guided into the Lung and Liver channels. Movement contains tonification, and transformation generates life; hence the name "Sheng Hua" (Generation and Transformation), named according to its function. Adding Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri Herba) at 1.5 qian yields similar efficacy. This is truly an excellent formula for childbirth and a sacred medicine for preserving the mother. Consequently, Feng modified this formula for use during labor, adding Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Hong Hua (Carthami Flos), creating a divine agent for inducing labor.

Shenghua Tang Formula: Pregnant women approaching term should prepare several doses of Shenghua Tang in advance. When labor begins, decoct it beforehand. After delivery, administer two or three doses immediately to expel stasis and generate new Blood, preventing all postpartum complications. Whether for normal delivery or miscarriage, and regardless of whether the mother is young or robust, she should take it. Thus, it is a essential medicine for the seven days following delivery. If it was not decocted and taken immediately after delivery, it remains the treatment of choice for any postpartum syndrome.

Quan Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 8 qian, washed with wine), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 4 qian), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 4 fen, scorched black, retaining its character), Tao Ren (Persic Semen, 10 grains, skin and tips removed, crushed), Zhi Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 5 fen).

Decoct in 2 zhong of water until reduced to 7/10. Add a small amount of wine (half a zhong). For those who cannot drink alcohol normally, add 6-7 tea spoons. Take warm. Retain the dregs and combine them with the dregs of the next dose for a second decoction; two doses yield three decoctions total. Within one to two hours after delivery, before eating, decoct and take these successively. This rapidly resolves old Blood and quickly generates new Blood, not only preventing immediate symptoms such as fainting, sweating, flooding, and lochia stasis, but also preventing other diseases and restoring vitality. For women who were deficient before pregnancy, prepare two additional doses after delivery to prevent fatigue. If one or two doses have been taken after delivery but abdominal pain and masses persist, continue administering doses until the pain and masses resolve naturally.