A seasoned Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner in Taiwan has reported a remarkable case study demonstrating how a daily regimen of an adapted classic herbal soup successfully managed multiple chronic health issues in an elderly patient. The patient, a 78-year-old woman suffering from “three highs” (hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol) and gout, saw significant improvements in her conditions—including stabilized blood pressure and blood sugar levels—after consistently consuming a modified version of Si Shen Tang (Four Tonics Soup) for two years, highlighting the potential integration of dietary therapy in chronic disease management.
Customizing Classic TCM for Modern Ailments
The case, shared by Taiwanese physician Dr. Hu Nai-Wen, centered on the customization of Si Shen Tang, a staple spleen-invigorating herbal broth traditionally formulated with four core ingredients: coix seed (Job’s tears), lotus seed, Poria fungus (fu ling), and Chinese yam (huaishan).
While the original purpose of Si Shen Tang is to strengthen the spleen, reduce dampness, and support the kidney and lung systems, Dr. Hu modified the ratio and ingredients to specifically target the patient’s concurrent issues:
- Increased Chinese Yam (Huaishan): Given the patient’s elevated blood glucose, an increased proportion of Chinese yam was added. According to TCM principles, huaishan is known for its ability to tonify the Spleen and Kidney, which can help regulate metabolism and indirectly assist in blood sugar control.
- Added Coix Seed (Yi Ren): To address the joint pain and inflammation associated with high uric acid and gout, more yi ren was incorporated. Coix seed is traditionally used to promote urination and reduce dampness, which can help alleviate joint swelling and pain related to hyperuricemia.
- Protein Substitution: Dr. Hu advised replacing traditional protein sources like pig intestines or stomach—used in classic preparations—with leaner options such as chicken or pork spare ribs. This crucial substitution minimized the purine content, a metabolic byproduct that can exacerbate gout symptoms.
Broader Dietary Strategies for Vascular Health
Beyond the specialized tonic soup, Dr. Hu advocates for the incorporation of other TCM ingredients known for their cardiovascular benefits, particularly in clearing “bad cholesterol” and promoting blood circulation:
- He Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix): This herb is often recommended for its effects on dispelling harmful substances from blood vessels. It can be simmered with chicken or added to Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). A caution is noted against consuming white radish concurrently, as it may neutralize the herb’s effects.
- Tian Qi (Notoginseng): Also known as Sanchi, its roots are typically ground into a fine powder and consumed daily (around 3.75 grams is a common dosage). The leaves can also be eaten as a cooked vegetable, offering multifaceted support for blood circulation and managing lipid levels.
- Black Fungus (Mu Er): Rich in colloidal substances and known for its blood-cleansing properties, regular consumption of black fungus is suggested to help manage vascular health by reducing internal ‘oil’ and blood stasis.
Preparing the Adapted Si Shen Tang
For those considering this dietary approach, making the soup at home is accessible. The foundational recipe involves:
- Ingredients (Example Recipe): 30g Coix Seed, 60g Lotus Seed, 25g Poria, 30g Chinese Yam, 60g Gorgon Fruit (Qian Shi), 1500ml Water, and a leaner protein source (e.g., pork ribs or chicken).
- Preparation: The herbs are typically simmered first until tender—a process that must be tailored based on the desired adaptation. If using internal organs like pork stomach, a detailed multi-step process involving cleaning with flour, oil, and even cola, followed by a lengthy simmering and stitching technique, is required to ensure hygiene and desirable texture, according to methods shared by Dr. Hu’s family.
Important Note for Consumers: While this TCM approach yields positive results for some patients, the suitability of any herbal remedy depends entirely on individual constitution. Pregnant women, for example, are advised to omit coix seed due to its cooling properties. Individuals with chronic conditions are strongly urged to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before integrating new dietary or herbal treatments.
This case adds to the growing evidence supporting the efficacy of personalized dietary therapy within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the longitudinal management of complex metabolic disorders.