Skip to content

Four Substances

四物湯 · sì wù tāng

The foundational TCM formula for nourishing blood. Often called the women's tonic.

What it's for

TCM's most-used base for what it calls blood deficiency: pale complexion, dry skin, irregular or scant periods, dizziness, and that washed-out feeling. The four herbs work as a balanced set, with prepared rehmannia and dong quai doing the heavy nourishing while white peony and chuanxiong keep blood moving so it doesn't pool. Most women's formulas in TCM are built from this base.

Signs this formula is a fit

At least 2 of the 3 main signs below should sound like you. If only one does, a more focused formula might fit better.

Main signs

  • Dizzy and lightheaded

    especially around or after your period

  • Periods are light, late, or skipped

    and you feel drained when they come

  • Body feels tight and undernourished

    dry skin, brittle nails, muscle tension

Extra signs

  • Pale or dull complexion
  • Cramping in the lower belly around your period
  • Heart pounding from small effort
  • Restless sleep
  • Pale tongue

Signs it isn't

  • You're losing a lot of blood right now
  • You feel bloated with poor appetite and loose stools
  • You have signs of heat in the blood like red rashes

What's in it

Safety

  • Built for blood depletion. Not the right pick if you're bleeding heavily or your periods are already heavy and clotted.
  • Not appropriate during pregnancy. Dong quai and chuanxiong are blood-movers traditionally avoided in pregnancy.
  • Prepared rehmannia is rich and can be hard on weak digestion. If you bloat easily, ask a practitioner about changes.
  • Dong quai may interact with anticoagulants and increase bleeding risk. Talk to a clinician if you take blood thinners.

How to take it

What to get

Plum Flower Four Substances Teapills, 200 ct

Four Substances Teapills

Plum Flower200 ct

Find on Amazon

We may earn a small commission, which keeps Field Guide free. We do not make or sell these products.

Dose

Take 8 pills, 3 times a day. Other brands and forms use different doses, so follow the label on what you buy.

How long

Follow any time limit on the product label. If it gives none, ask a qualified TCM practitioner when to reassess. Do not keep taking it unchanged if nothing improves.