BLACK PEARL – Zizyphus & Polygala Formula

This formula is a variant of Ding Zhi Wan (Stabilise the Mind Formula), which was first recorded in ‘Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergencies’ (bei ji qian jin yao fang), by Sun Si-miao, 652 C.E., a 30 volume work that, together with an additional 30 volume supplement, is a compilation of medical knowledge to that date.

The original formula was indicated for emotional disturbance due to sudden fright or a severe emotional shock, in patients with pre-existing Heart Qi deficiency. Such patients lack resilience and may be easily become disoriented, anxious or, in severe cases, hypomanic.

The synergistic actions of the ingredients are as follows:

• Pseudostellaria root (tai zi shen), Ziziphus seed (suan zao ren), Poria cocos (fu ling & fu shen): tonify the Heart Qi and calm the spirit
• Albizzia flower (he huan hua), Ziziphus seed (suan zao ren): nourish the Heart and Liver Blood to calm the spirit.
• Polygala root (yuan zhi), Anemone rhizome (chang pu): open the mind and senses, calm the Spirit, direct the actions of the herbs in the formula to the Heart.