Restore the Blood

INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

Milk Vetch, root 69.7mg

Rehmannia, root, prep. 52.1mg

Dangshen, root 43.5mg

White Atractylodes, rhiz. 43.5mg

Wolfporia, fruit 43.5mg

White Peony, root 43.5mg

Dong Quai, root 26.2mg

Szechuan Lovage, root 17.6mg

Licorice, root 17.6mg

Cassia, bark 17.6mg

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 483526

Manufactured In Australia.

Indications: Post chemo / immunotherapy, radiation and surgical recovery.

Actions: restore the blood to healthy levels.

Dosage: 12 - 15 pills twice per day with food.

Safe for long-term use.

Treat more, not less. Treat sooner rather than later.

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Shi Quan Da Bu Tang – "Restore the Blood"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to restore strength, rebuild blood, support immunity and promote recovery following prolonged illness, surgery or cancer treatment.

What is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang?

Recovering from serious illness takes time.

Whether after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or prolonged infection, many people describe the same overwhelming feeling:

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"I just don't feel like myself anymore."

They often experience:

• profound fatigue

• weakness

• pale complexion

• dizziness

• poor appetite

• shortness of breath

• slow recovery

• low resilience

For patients receiving cancer treatment, these symptoms are often accompanied by falling blood counts, making treatment even more challenging.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognised this pattern as a profound depletion of Qi and Blood.

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Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (十全大补汤) was developed to restore these fundamental reserves.

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At Chiron Medical we call it "Restore the Blood", because one of its most important modern applications is supporting patients whose blood cell production has been suppressed during cancer treatment.

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Importantly, this formula is not a treatment for cancer itself. It is traditionally used as supportive care to help patients recover from the effects of illness and medical treatment.

Any use during chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy should be undertaken in consultation with both the treating oncologist and a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner.

A Formula with More Than 800 Years of History

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang first appeared in the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era) during the Song Dynasty in the 12th century.

Its name translates as:

"The Decoction of Complete Great Tonification."

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The title reflects its purpose—it combines two of the greatest tonic formulas in Chinese medicine into one comprehensive prescription designed to rebuild the entire constitution.

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For centuries it has been prescribed during recovery from serious illness, trauma, childbirth and profound exhaustion.

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Why We Call It "Restore the Blood"

One of the remarkable features of Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is its ability to address both energy production and blood production simultaneously.

Patients commonly present with:

• exhaustion

• pale skin

• dizziness

• cold hands and feet

• poor appetite

• weakness after illness

• slow wound healing

• susceptibility to infection

In modern oncology, similar symptoms frequently occur because chemotherapy and radiotherapy suppress the bone marrow, reducing the production of:

• red blood cells

• white blood cells

• platelets

Modern research has increasingly explored the role of Shi Quan Da Bu Tang as an integrative supportive therapy to help maintain healthy blood cell production and improve quality of life during treatment.

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is prescribed for combined Qi and Blood Deficiency.

Recovery After Serious Illness

• prolonged illness

• surgery

• chronic fatigue

• post-viral weakness

• poor recovery

Oncology Support

Used by qualified integrative practitioners as supportive care for patients undergoing:

• chemotherapy

• radiotherapy

• surgery

Research has focused on supporting:

• healthy white blood cell counts

• healthy red blood cell production

• immune resilience

• appetite

• fatigue

• quality of life

Other Traditional Uses

• postpartum recovery

• chronic anaemia (pattern dependent)

• poor wound healing

• frailty associated with ageing

The Ten Herbs That Make the Formula

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang combines the famous Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen) and Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), with two additional warming herbs.

Together they create one of Chinese medicine's most complete restorative formulas.

Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)

Traditional role

Astragalus is the principal Qi tonic of the formula. It powerfully strengthens Spleen and Lung Qi, raises depleted energy and supports the body's ability to recover from prolonged illness. Traditionally it is used to restore vitality, improve stamina and strengthen the body's natural resistance to disease.

Biomedical role

Astragalus is one of the most extensively researched Chinese herbs. Studies demonstrate immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and adaptogenic effects. Research suggests it enhances immune function, supports tissue repair, improves mitochondrial energy production and may accelerate recovery following illness or surgery.

Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang)

Traditional role

Prepared Rehmannia strongly nourishes Blood and replenishes Kidney Essence. It restores the deep reserves of the body following blood loss, chronic illness, ageing or prolonged fatigue while providing the nutritional foundation for healthy tissue repair.

Biomedical role

Modern research demonstrates antioxidant, haematopoietic and immunomodulatory effects. Studies suggest Rehmannia supports bone marrow function, protects against oxidative stress and contributes to healthy endocrine and immune regulation.

Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)

Traditional role

Codonopsis strengthens Spleen and Lung Qi while improving appetite and digestion. It helps the body efficiently convert food into energy, ensuring adequate nutritional support during recovery.

Biomedical role

Research suggests Codonopsis possesses gastroprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-fatigue properties. It supports digestive efficiency, improves energy metabolism and enhances intestinal barrier function.

White Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu)

Traditional role

White Atractylodes strengthens the Spleen, improves digestion and dries excessive Dampness. It helps restore nutrient absorption and supports recovery when chronic illness has weakened digestive function.

Biomedical role

Studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal protective and immune-regulating effects. White Atractylodes supports healthy intestinal barrier integrity, digestive enzyme activity and gut immune function.

Poria (Fu Ling)

Traditional role

Poria strengthens the Spleen while regulating body fluids. It reduces bloating, supports digestion and calms the Spirit, recognising that prolonged illness often affects both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Biomedical role

Research has demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mild anxiolytic effects. Poria supports gastrointestinal health, fluid regulation and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.

White Peony Root (Bai Shao)

Traditional role

White Peony nourishes Blood while softening the Liver and relaxing muscles and tendons. It helps relieve muscular tension and supports healthy circulation while protecting Yin during recovery.

Biomedical role

White Peony contains paeoniflorin, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic and neuroprotective effects. Research suggests it helps regulate immune function while reducing inflammatory stress on recovering tissues.

Dong Quai Root (Dang Gui)

Traditional role

Dong Quai nourishes and invigorates Blood, supporting tissue repair while promoting healthy circulation. It is one of Chinese medicine's most important herbs for recovery following childbirth, surgery and chronic illness.

Biomedical role

Modern research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasodilatory properties. Dong Quai improves microcirculation, supports tissue healing and may enhance recovery of connective tissues following injury.

Ligusticum Root (Chuan Xiong)

Traditional role

Ligusticum moves Blood and promotes healthy circulation throughout the body. Within this formula it prevents the rich tonic herbs from becoming stagnant while ensuring nourishment reaches recovering tissues.

Biomedical role

Studies have identified vasodilatory, antiplatelet, antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. Ligusticum improves microvascular circulation, supports oxygen delivery and may protect against ischaemic tissue injury.

Liquorice Root (Gan Cao)

Traditional role

Liquorice strengthens Qi while harmonising the actions of the entire formula. It supports digestion, moderates the stronger herbs and contributes to overall recovery.

Biomedical role

Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin together with numerous flavonoids possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and gastroprotective effects. It supports immune regulation and protects the gastrointestinal mucosa during recovery.

Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)

Traditional role

Cinnamon warms the channels, restores Yang and promotes circulation throughout the body. It rekindles the body's metabolic "fire," ensuring that newly generated Qi and Blood are distributed effectively to every tissue.

Biomedical role

Modern research demonstrates vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitising and thermogenic effects. Cinnamon improves peripheral circulation, supports glucose metabolism and enhances tissue perfusion during recovery.

Why These Herbs Work Together

Restore the Blood (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang) is regarded as one of Chinese medicine's greatest restorative formulas because it rebuilds every major component of recovery rather than focusing on a single deficiency.

The herbs work together in four complementary groups:

• Astragalus, Codonopsis, White Atractylodes, Poria and Liquorice rebuild digestive energy (Qi), ensuring the body can once again produce nourishment efficiently.

• Prepared Rehmannia, White Peony and Dong Quai replenish Blood and restore the nutritional foundation needed for healthy tissue repair, hormonal balance and vitality.

• Ligusticum ensures newly formed Blood circulates efficiently throughout the body, preventing stagnation and supporting healing.

• Cinnamon Bark rekindles the body's warming Yang energy, improving circulation, metabolism and distribution of nutrients to recovering tissues.

Together these herbs restore energy production, rebuild Blood, improve digestion, enhance circulation and reactivate the body's natural healing capacity. Rather than acting as a simple tonic, Restore the Blood (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang) rebuilds the physiological systems that sustain long-term health after illness, surgery, childbirth or chronic depletion.

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It perfectly illustrates one of the central principles of the Chiron Formula Network:

Recovery is more than regaining energy. True recovery means rebuilding the body's ability to produce energy, nourish tissues, circulate nutrients and restore resilience so health can be sustained for years to come.

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What Does Modern Research Say?

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is one of the most extensively researched tonic formulas in integrative oncology.

Chemotherapy Support

Clinical studies have investigated its effects on:

• chemotherapy-induced fatigue

• appetite

• quality of life

• bone marrow suppression

Blood Cell Production

Research suggests supportive effects on:

• white blood cell recovery

• red blood cell production

• platelet recovery

• bone marrow resilience

Immune Function

Studies demonstrate effects involving:

• natural killer (NK) cell activity

• macrophage function

• T-cell regulation

• cytokine balance

Integrative Oncology

Several Japanese and Chinese studies have reported improvements in treatment tolerance and quality of life when Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is used alongside conventional cancer therapies under medical supervision.

While results are encouraging, larger high-quality trials are still needed. The formula should be regarded as an adjunct to evidence-based oncology care, not an alternative treatment for cancer.

More Than Blood

Although we call it "Restore the Blood," the formula does far more.

Healthy blood production depends upon healthy digestion, healthy immunity and healthy energy metabolism.

This explains why patients often report improvements in:

• appetite

• stamina

• resilience

• wound healing

• recovery after illness

• overall vitality

It is one of Chinese medicine's great constitutional restorative formulas.

Comparing the Chiron Medical Tonic Formulas

Each tonic formula nourishes a different aspect of health.

FormulaChiron Medical NamePrimary FocusBest For

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang - Energy Pills - Builds Qi and raises energy - Fatigue, digestive weakness, prolapse, low stamina

Liu Wei Di Huang Tang - Water of Life - Nourishes Kidney Yin and healthy ageing - Constitutional depletion, dryness, vitality, healthy ageing

Fu Gui Ba Wei Tang - Warm the Cockles - Warms Kidney Yang - Cold intolerance, reduced vitality, poor circulation, metabolic slowing

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang - Restore the Blood - Builds both Qi and BloodRecovery after illness, surgery, chemotherapy, chronic depletion

Understanding the Difference

Think of these formulas as supporting different aspects of the body's "engine."

Energy Pills (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang)

Builds the fuel.

Improves energy production.

Strengthens digestion.

Water of Life (Liu Wei Di Huang Tang)

Protects the engine from wearing out.

Nourishes the body's deepest reserves.

Supports graceful ageing.

Warm the Cockles (Fu Gui Ba Wei Tang)

Turns up the thermostat.

Warms metabolism.

Improves circulation.

Supports Kidney Yang.

Restore the Blood (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang)

Rebuilds the engine after major damage.

Supports blood formation.

Restores strength.

Improves resilience.

Together they represent four of the greatest constitutional tonic formulas in Chinese medicine.

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

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Classical Pattern

Qi and Blood Deficiency with Yang Deficiency

Typical presentation:

• fatigue

• pale complexion

• spontaneous sweating

• poor appetite

• dizziness

• weak pulse

• pale tongue

• cold limbs

Formula Strategy

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang:

• Tonifies Qi.

• Nourishes Blood.

• Warms Yang.

• Strengthens immunity.

• Restores constitutional vitality.

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• oncology support

• postoperative recovery

• postpartum recovery

• chronic fatigue

• elderly frailty

• prolonged illness

• anaemia (pattern dependent)

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• haematopoietic stem cell activity

• bone marrow recovery

• immune regulation

• inflammatory cytokines

• oxidative stress

• mitochondrial function

• gastrointestinal mucosal repair

Major bioactive compounds include:

• astragalosides

• ginsenosides

• catalpol

• ferulic acid

• paeoniflorin

• ligustilide

• glycyrrhizin

Collectively these compounds demonstrate immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and haematopoietic-supportive properties.

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical supervision is essential in patients receiving:

• chemotherapy

• immunotherapy

• targeted therapies

• corticosteroids

• anticoagulants

• immunosuppressive medications

Herbal medicines should always be disclosed to the treating oncology team to ensure coordinated care. While existing research suggests Shi Quan Da Bu Tang may improve treatment tolerance and support recovery from myelosuppression, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that it improves cancer-specific outcomes, and it should never replace conventional oncology treatment.

Rebuilding After the Storm

The body has an extraordinary ability to heal.

But after serious illness, it sometimes needs help rebuilding what has been lost.

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang was created for those moments.

Not to fight disease...

...but to strengthen the person recovering from it.

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That is why we call it "Restore the Blood."

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Because restoring healthy blood production is about much more than improving laboratory numbers. It is about restoring energy, resilience, immunity and the strength to move forward after one of life's greatest physical challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is one of Chinese medicine's great restorative formulas, first recorded during the Song Dynasty more than 800 years ago.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Restore the Blood" because it is traditionally prescribed to rebuild Qi and Blood, particularly after prolonged illness or major physiological stress.

• Modern research has investigated its supportive role during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with encouraging evidence for improvements in fatigue, quality of life and recovery of healthy blood cell counts, although further high-quality trials are needed.

• Compared with Energy Pills (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang), Water of Life (Liu Wei Di Huang Tang) and Warm the Cockles (Fu Gui Ba Wei Tang), Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is the most comprehensive constitutional restorative formula, supporting both energy production and blood formation.

• It should always be prescribed by a qualified practitioner and used as adjunctive supportive care alongside conventional medical treatment, particularly in oncology.

Clinical Perspective

Within the Chiron Medical tonic collection, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang ("Restore the Blood") occupies a unique position as the recovery formula.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang ("Energy Pills") primarily strengthens digestive Qi and improves energy production.

Liu Wei Di Huang Tang ("Water of Life") nourishes the body's deepest Yin reserves and supports healthy ageing.

Fu Gui Ba Wei Tang ("Warm the Cockles") restores warming Kidney Yang and metabolic vitality.

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang integrates elements of all these restorative principles by rebuilding both Qi and Blood, making it particularly valuable during recovery from surgery, chronic illness or cancer treatment.

In modern integrative medicine, it has become one of the most studied classical formulas for supportive oncology care, illustrating how ancient constitutional medicine and contemporary supportive cancer care can complement one another when used responsibly and collaboratively.