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For various diseases occurring after childbirth, ancient formulas often use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) with modifications. Why? Because the formula contains Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome) and Gui (Angelica Sinensis Radix) which are acrid and warm, assisted by Di (Rehmannia Glutinosa Radix) and Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora Radix) which are cold and cool. The balance of warmth and cold is moderate, so it can be considered safe. However, one does not realize that Siwu Tang is an excellent remedy for miscellaneous gynecological diseases. If used for postpartum conditions, it is highly inappropriate. I have examined the intent of medical texts, believing that Bai Shao (White Peony Root) should be repeatedly processed with wine and stir-fried to remove its sour astringent nature, retaining only its ability to generate and invigorate blood; or black ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum) could be added for its acrid and hot properties as an assistant, which would be acceptable. Others argue that Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) has a clear nature, is slightly sour and astringent, making it most suitable for conditions where Yin Qi dissipates, thus questioning if it is not a key herb for postpartum care. But observing that it is again processed with wine frying, one can infer that other harsh, cold, and cooling herbs are unsuitable. I consider that Shaoyao should be strictly contraindicated in the first three to five days after delivery. If some time has passed since delivery, and it is thoroughly processed with wine, it may serve as an assistant to other herbs. However, Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root) in Siwu Tang is even colder, directly entering the Blood aspect, and damaging the Spleen and Stomach, causing greater harm. Some suggest substituting Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) to tonify True Yin, calling this the most appropriate method. Yet they fail to consider that Shu Di Huang is cloying and sticky, further causing blood stasis and sluggishness. Although there are Xiong and Gui, their movement is hindered and slowed down, which is also unsuitable for newly delivered women. Generally, women who have just given birth have both Qi and Blood deficiency; they most fear cold and cool substances and greatly benefit from warm medicines to assist the source of generation and nourishment. Therefore, Mr. Danxi stated that Shaoyao attacks the vitalizing Qi, and its prohibition has profound meaning. I sigh at those in the world who indiscriminately use Siwu Tang for postpartum cases; why do they not reflect upon this?

Regarding the discussion on Shenghua Tang: All postpartum syndromes arise because Qi and Blood suddenly descend, leading to a massive depletion of Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). Medication differs from standard methods. Thus, in cases of extreme deficiency that cannot wait, one must add warming and moving herbs within strong tonification. Strong tonification provides great power for unblocking, while warming promotes smooth flow without stagnation. As for blood-dispelling agents, even in excess patterns, harsh and severe drugs should not be used. How much more so in postpartum massive deficiency, where fear exists that Blood loses its master, and任由 (at the mercy of) drug force leads to unstoppable hemorrhage. Deficiency easily leads to collapse, a situation like spilt water that cannot be gathered back. After serious illness, when both Qi and Blood are deficient, regulation and tonification are especially important. How much more so for the deficiency and decline of Spleen, Stomach, Qi, and Blood after childbirth! Current practitioners treating postpartum cases say that Yuan Qi is depleted by childbirth, circulation loses its rhythm, inevitably leaving blood stasis that causes various diseases. They insist on removing stasis first, tonifying only after stasis clears. Some even use Huisheng Dan (Revival Pill) to attack blood quickly and expel the placenta, resulting in death. This stems from knowing only to attack old stasis without realizing the harm to new blood. One should know that while masses must be dissolved, generating new blood is even more crucial. Exclusively dissolving prevents new blood from forming; exclusively generating causes old blood to stagnate. I have examined formulas for new deliveries, finding none superior to Shenghua Tang as the premier miraculous formula for postpartum care. Its ingredients—Xiong, Gui, and Tao Ren (Persicae Semen)—warm and move blood, excellently eliminating old blood and rapidly generating new blood. Assisted by Zhi Hei Gan Jiang (Charred Dried Ginger) and Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), they guide the three main herbs into the Lung and Liver channels. Movement contains tonification, transformation contains generation, hence named "Shenghua" (Generate and Transform), named according to its function. Adding Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus Japonicus Herba) at 1.5 qian yields similar efficacy. This is truly a good prescription for treating childbirth, a sacred medicine for preserving the mother. Therefore, 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. These three applications focus on dispelling stasis and generating new blood, preventing all postpartum complications. Whether full-term delivery or miscarriage, even for young and robust mothers, it is suitable. Thus, this decoction is essential medicine within seven days postpartum. If not prepared immediately after delivery, it remains the treatment for all postpartum symptoms. Quan Dang Gui (Whole Angelica Sinensis Radix) 8 qian (washed with wine), Chuan Xiong 4 qian, Gan Jiang 4 fen (charred black, retaining character), Tao Ren 10 grains (skin and tip removed, crushed), Zhi Cao 5 fen. Add two zhong of water, decoct to seven tenths, add a small half zhong of wine. For those unable to drink alcohol normally, add six or seven tea spoons. Take slightly warm. Retain the dregs and combine with the dregs of subsequent doses for re-decoction; two doses yield three decoctions. Within one or two shichen (2-4 hours) after delivery, before eating, administer sequentially. It can rapidly transform old blood and suddenly grow new blood, not only avoiding current risks like fainting, sweating, hemorrhage, and lochia stagnation, but also preventing various diseases and restoring boundless spirit. For those constitutionally weak before pregnancy, prepare two additional doses after delivery to prevent fatigue. If one or two doses have been taken after delivery but mass pain persists, continue administering several more doses, ensuring the mass pain disappears.