As a night owl, I always regarded the early bedtime with skepticism—surely length mattered more than whether I go to bed at 10 or 2? I was further baffled when the Dalai Lama spoke at my college and pointed to an early bedtime as the key to happiness (he sleeps from 7pm to 3am). I considered the TCM body clock abstract and arbitrary.⠀
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Yet, after spending the day researching this topic, I’ve found that scientific studies are showing there is indeed evidence to back these theories from Ancient China.⠀
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Take the heart—which is thought to rule from 11am to 1pm: research indicates that blood pressure and heart rate reach their peaks during this period as does the incidence of myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, angina pectoris and sudden cardiac death (Zhang). The scientists further explain that “cardiac burden rises to the highest point, and risks of exhausted heart [is] the highest with the highest incidence of morbidity” during this time period.⠀
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Recent studies also show that circadian rhythm disruption may induce or accelerate the onset of multiple diseases, including Alzheimer's, obesity, and diabetes, and is a risk factor for breast cancer.⠀
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A new study (WashU) indicates that people showing evidence of preclinical Alzheimer’s—more amyloid buildup in their brains—had more fragmentation in their circadian activity patterns: more inactivity during the day and more activity at night. Alzheimer’s damage can take root in the brain 15-20 years before symptoms appear, so these findings can help doctors identify at-risk patients, and hopefully convince them to change their habits.⠀
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Will these ancient theories or new studies change your thoughts on bedtime?⠀
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Art: Jiang Guofang

FEB 12, 2021

The "Si Wu Tang" Herbal Formula

Si Wu Tang is a classic Chinese herbal formula for women, used for over 1,000 years to relieve PMS symptoms, improve circulation, enhance beauty and youth, and increase fertility.

While SWT is considered a tonic suitable for the average female, it is particularly meant for those suffering from what is known as blood deficiency and qi stagnation. Blood deficiency can be associated with backaches, anemia, vertigo, menstrual pain, and can be a cause of infertility (Taipei Medical University). Qi deficiency normally manifests as a lack of strength, body function decline, and lower immunity (Zhejiang Medical University).

Si Wu Tang means “four-substance decoction,” and this refers to the four herbs in the formula: angelica root, rehmannia, white peony root, and Sichuan lovage root. The formula is available in many forms—pills, powders, liquids, or dried herbs. I recently used the herbs to make chicken soup for a friend suffering from PMS symptoms. You can find this pre-packaged mix at Asian stores—see my 1/17 post for a recipe!

Studies on SWT published in scientific journals present fascinating findings:

SKIN & LIVER IMPROVEMENT: in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, ingesting SWT for 6 months improved participants’ antioxidant levels and positively regulated the lipid profile, liver function, and skin integrity and texture

POSTPARTUM PAIN: according to a population-based correlational study, the bodily pain of postpartum women who used SWT was reduced by more than 10x those who did not

INFERTILITY: infertile women with ovarian follicular maldevelopment with an initial luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio of <1 saw this value return to normal and improved symptoms after taking SWT

CANCER CHEMOPREVENTION: prevention of oxidative damage by activating Nrf2-mediated detoxifying/antioxidant genes, suggesting that SWT might be an effective nontoxic agent for chemoprevention

SWT is traditionally taken at the end of the period for several days. It is generally considered safe, but consult a practitioner if you are suffering from specific issues.

Have you tried SWT? What has your experience been?

The main ingredient in this formulation is dehydrated Taihe silkie chicken soup, a well-known nourishing ingredient in Chinese medicine and a unique delicacy in Chinese cooking 🍗 Lab tests have indicated that Taihe chicken contains unique hormones, blue pigment, and amino acids which increase blood cells and hemoglobin, and collective clinical experience has demonstrated that Taihe chicken is particularly effective for treating women's disorders, such as infertility, excessive uterine bleeding, habitual miscarriage, and post-partum disorders.

The nourishing, tonifying qualities of the Taihe chicken soup is likely due to the unique natural conditions in Wushan, especially due to Wushan spring water which contains various minerals, according to research conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A recent study on the nutritional content of eggs also showed that vitamins B2, B6, D and E, calcium, and potassium content in silkie chicken eggs were significantly higher than those of regular chicken eggs 🥚 Silkie chicken eggs also had higher unsaturated fatty acids and lower cholesterol.

Other ingredients of Wuji Baifeng Wan include raw and steamed rehmannia, angelica root, cyperus, dioscorea, peony, and deer antler, and these tonifying ingredients directly complement the traditionally-recognized liver/kidney tonic properties of the Taihe chicken 🌿 Wuji Baifeng Wan is considered a non-toxic general formula.

Have you ever come across this formulation? If so, what’s been your experience? (I’ve found it to be remarkably effective and have been giving it to friends suffering from dysmenorrhea!)