Pseudostellaria 9

Pseudostellaria 9 is based on traditional and modern Chinese treatments for qi and yin deficiency manifesting as persistent dry symptoms. Pseudostellaria is included in many modern Chinese formulas. It is referred to as "prince ginseng" because it was used in China as a cheap substitute for ginseng (the "king"), serving as a qi tonic. However, it is currently considered superior to ginseng for use in formulas treating disorders characterized by yin deficiency (see Ginseng 6). While many yin nourishing herbs are deemed difficult to digest, pseudostellaria is useful for weak stomach and spleen, loss of appetite, and diarrhea; when combined with hoelen and baked licorice, there is a distinct action on promoting the generation of qi. The combination of ophiopogon and asparagus (main ingredients of Erdong Tang, comprised of just the two "dong" herbs; Mai Men Dong and Tian Men Dong) is used to treat chronic thirst; scrophularia, ophiopogon, and rehmannia (main ingredients of Zhengye Tang; decoction to increase fluids) are used for diseases that cause dryness, especially when the yangming (stomach) channel is affected; adenophora and glehnia are used in the treatment of dry throat and dry cough. Pseudostellaria 9 is similar to Sishen Fang (formula of four shen: pseudostellaria, scrophularia, adenophora, and glehnia) developed for Sjogren\'s syndrome. This new formula, used alone or in combination with other tonic prescriptions, is intended for treatment of persisting dry symptoms. See also: Rehmannia 16. Iridoid Complex (White Tiger) may be used additionally to serve as a source of one of the main active components of rehmannia and scrophularia, the iridoid glycosides.