This is the formula for the so-called “six stagnations”. Yue Ju Wan was created for “excess” types (even though they may feel tired a lot). Simply put, the systems of digestion, blood flow, fluids and qi / energy are clogged up. When things aren’t flowing well the body’s systems’ functions are compromised. I use this formula for a number of conditions including indigestion, fatigue, insomnia (hard to fall asleep) and heaviness of the body. Also it is very useful for mental conditions including anxiety, depression, frustrations and anger (if the pattern fits the above).

The stagnations that this formula regulates are:

Qi Stagnation:

• Qi stagnation is the name of the game. When we get frustrated by small things that shouldn’t matter or can’t seem to get moving even though we know we “should” then we have qi stagnation. Stagnation can also be responsible for pains that migrate, come and go, are aggravated by stress. These pains tend to radiate and affect an area or region rather than a discrete location. Qi stagnation is addressed by Xiang Fu. Qi stagnation can also cause the other stagnations listed below.

Blood Stagnation:

• Blood stagnation (or “stasis”) causes pains that are fixed in location and usually occur in a location that you can point at with one finger. Blood stagnation is addressed by Chuan Xiong.

Heat Stagnation:

• This stagnation of heat is actually a side-effect of other stagnations. When things aren’t circulating well, the (Chinese concept of the) Liver can get hot, resulting in a short temper, red eyes, etc. Heat is addressed by Zhi Zi.

Damp Stagnation:

• Dampness is another side-effect of qi stagnation, particularly in the Stomach and Intestines. When things are stuck in the tummy, one outcome is the creation of excessive fluids in the Stomach and Intestines which gives rise to indigestion. Damp is addressed by Cang Zhu.

Phlegm Stagnation:

• Damp + time = phlegm. Sometimes phlegm comes out of the body as we’re accustomed to seeing it, from coughing. In the case of this formula, this phlegm may be more evident after a big meal. Other times, it can coat the poop or show up as lumps in the body. (Lumps, of course, should be examined by a health care provider) Phlegm (and damp) is addressed by Cang Zhu.

Food Stagnation:

• Food stagnation can arise from qi stagnation which is how your Stomach may react to stress, the food just sits there. However over-eating or eating food that is difficult to digest can also cause food stagnation. Food stagnation is address by Shen Qu.

Ingredients

Xiang Fu 香附 cyperus, nut-grass rhizome Cyperi Rhizoma

• This formula is for qi stagnation that then causes all the other kinds of stagnation. Xiang fu is the herb that addresses the qi stagnation. We use it often for when stress causes frequent sighing on the sensation that one can’t take a full breath of air (due to emotional stress). Xiang fu is also famous for bloating or dull achy pain in the upper abdomen.

Chuan Xiong 川芎 Sichuan lovage root, cnidium, chuanxiong root Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong

• This herb is said to move the “qi in the blood” which is to say that it stimulates the flow of the blood. It is unknown if this means “thinning” the blood or regulating the Heart or perhaps helping the blood vessels open up to help more flow through. Could be a little bit of all three, or only those that are needed in a particular case.

Zhi Zi 梔子 cape jasmine fruit, gardenia Gardeniae Fructus

• All of these stagnations can warm up the (Chinese concept of the) Liver much like a traffic jam can cause cars to overheat. This herb cools the Liver which helps one to keep their emotional cool in the face of some heavy-duty stress.

Cang Zhu 蒼术 atractylodes rhizome, cang shu Atractylodis Rhizoma

• Qi stagnation that affects the functions of the Stomach and Intestines can cause a lot of gurgling or other issues with the metabolism of fluids. This herb is said to aromatically pierce through damp turbidity. That’s going to result in a cool airy feeling in your tummy which you’ll like.

Shen Qu 神麴 medicated leaven Massa medicata fermentata [use caution if pregnant]

• Shen Qu is especially effective in supporting the stomach’s ability to digest fermented foods. Also applies to fermented drinks such as alcohol. However because it is actually a mixture of a variety of digestive herbs, it can help anything stuck in the Stomach to get broken down and moving into the intestines as they should. Shen Qu is actually a combination of herbs including Mai Ya, Qing hao, Xing ren, Cang er zi, Chi xiao dou. Xing ren, Chi xiao dou, Qing hao, Mu Gua