In daily life, many people feel cold all over, with icy or even numb hands and feet as soon as winter arrives. Their extremities remain cold all day long. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes this may be caused by a deficiency of Yang energy and weakness of Qi and blood. When Yang energy cannot reach the ends of our four limbs, the hands and feet lose the nourishment of Qi and blood. In this situation, even wearing thick layers of clothing doesn't help much. Today, I will teach you a formula to address the root cause. This small formula is Danggui Sini Decoction (Angelica Decoction for Countering Cold Extremities), which originates from the "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" (Shanghan Lun).

It is composed of Danggui (Angelica sinensis), peeled Guizhi (Cassia twig), Shaoyao (Peony root), Xixin (Asarum), Gancao (Licorice root), Tongcao (Ricepaperpith stem), and Dazao (Jujube). In the formula, Danggui is sweet and warm, nourishing and harmonizing the blood; Guizhi is acrid and warm, warming and unblocking the blood vessels; Xixin warms the interior and disperses cold; and Baishao nourishes the blood and harmonizes the Ying (nutritive) level. Tongcao clears the meridians to facilitate blood flow. Dazao and Gancao supplement Qi, strengthen the spleen, and nourish the blood. These seven herbs work together to both warm Yang and disperse cold, while simultaneously nourishing blood and unblocking the vessels. It is warming without being drying, and tonifying without causing stagnation. When decocted in water, it has the effect of warming the meridians, dispersing cold, nourishing blood, and unblocking the vessels. Used correctly, this formula can ensure you no longer suffer from the cold all winter long.

Do you understand now?