FETUS LONGEVITY PILL
Shou Tai Wan
‘Foetus Longevity Pill’
Source: Records of Heartfelt Experiences in Medicine with Reference to the West (Yi Xue Zhong Zhong
Can Xi Lu, 1930)
Keywords
habitual tendency to miscarriage, infertility, lower backache
Ingredients
Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong, eucommia bark)
Dipsacus asper (Xu Duan, dipsacus)
Viscum coloratum (Sang Ji Sheng, vaecium)
Cuscuta chinensis (Tu Si Zi, cuscuta)
Major therapeutic action
Stabilises the Kidneys, tonifies the Kidneys, and calms the foetus.
Tones and nourishes the uterus.
Indications
o Infertility, bleeding during pregnancy, tendency to miscarriage with the additional symptoms of lethargy,
loose stools, anorexia, weak limbs, sallow complexion and a weak pulse.
o Chronic lower back pain, knee and leg weakness and/or pain.
Key symptoms for use
o lower back ache, weak legs
o frequent urination, nocturia
o dizziness, tinnitus
o fatigue, lethargy, weakness
o pale, probably swollen tongue (with tooth marks)
o weak pulse in the proximal positions (especially the right)
o For habitual miscarriage, combine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
o For chronic lower back ache, combine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
o For a restless foetus, combine with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
o For cold especially in the low abdomen, add Gan Jiang & Rou Gui.
The typical dose is three grams twice daily, before meals. In severe cases or the early stages of treatment (the first two weeks), a 50-100% increase in dose may be used, then reduced as the treatment takes effect. This formula will often be added to a suitable constitutional formula, in which case the proportions are generally 3 or 4:1 constitutional formula to Shou Tai Wan. For women with a tendency to miscarriage, the formula can be taken both prior to conception and during the first trimester.
Cautions and contraindications
Caution in patients with heat signs.
None noted.