Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYT)

What It Is

Xuefu Zhuyu Tang (血府逐瘀汤, XFZYT) is a classical Chinese herbal formula created by Qing-dynasty physician Wang Qing-ren. It is used to move blood stasis in the chest and upper body, regulate qi, and relieve associated pain or constraints. It typically contains 11 ingredients including Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Chi Shao, Sheng Di Huang, Chai Hu, Jie Geng, Zhi Ke, Gan Cao, and Niu Xi. In modern use it appears in granule, capsule, and decoction form.

How It Works

From a traditional (TCM) perspective, XFZYT:

• Invigorates stuck blood — to dissolve “fixed” or chronic stasis patterns
• Moves constrained qi — especially in the thorax and diaphragm
• Nourishes while moving — it does not only disperse but also supports blood fluidity
• Lifts and guides — via Chai Hu and Jie Geng to the upper chest region

From biomedical frames suggested in pharmacology studies:

• Anti-thrombotic / hemorheological modulation — may reduce blood viscosity and platelet aggregation
• Micro-circulatory improvement — enhances peripheral and coronary perfusion in models
• Anti-inflammatory & endothelial modulation — down-regulates certain inflammatory mediators and may improve vascular function
• Neurovascular relevance — researched in post-stroke sequelae and cognitive impairment linked to impaired perfusion

Why It’s Important

XFZYT is one of the most widely studied “blood-stasis” formulas because blood stasis is a root pathology across many chronic pain and vascular-linked disorders in TCM. Clinically it is important because it sits at the intersection of:

• Cardiovascular (chest pain patterns, angina-like presentations in an integrative context)
• Neurologic perfusion (post-stroke recovery, cognitive issues linked to flow impairment)
• Emotional constraint with somatic overlay (depression with chest tightness, sighing, rib-side tension)
• Chronic pain with a fixed quality (headache, trauma sequelae, dysmenorrhea with stasis sign)

It is also important because it is a balanced “moving” formula that is not excessively harsh, making it applicable to sub-acute or chronic scenarios rather than only emergency clearance.

Considerations

• Pattern-specific, not symptom-generic — Proper use requires demonstration of a blood-stasis pattern (fixed, stabbing, worse with pressure, dark/purplish signs, etc.). Using it without stasis can aggravate.
• Not first-line in acute bleeding or deficiency-dominant states — Contraindicated in active bleeding, caution in those with very weak qi or blood unless modified.
• Medication interactions — Potential theoretical interaction with anticoagulants / anti-platelets (e.g. warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel); co-use should be medically supervised.
• Surgery and dental procedures — Commonly paused before invasive procedures that carry bleeding risk.
• Pregnancy — Generally avoided unless specifically directed by a qualified practitioner; contains blood-invigorating agents.
• Quality and dosing matter — Effects and safety hinge on proper raw material quality, ratio fidelity, and practitioner oversight.