Vessel-Freeing Counterflow Cold Decoction

Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论

Ingredients

Actions: Frees yáng and stems counterflow.

Indications: Lesser yīn disease presenting as interior cold and exterior heat. Signs include reversal cold of the limbs, faint pulse on the verge of expiration, and red facial complexion. There may also be abdominal pain, vomiting and retching, and sore throat.

Category: Interior-warming formulas / Yáng-returning desertion-stemming formulas

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: This formula has the same three ingredients as Sì nì tāng (四逆汤 Counterflow Cold Decoction)but has a larger quantity of Gān jiāng to stimulate the center qì to restore the pulse and the movement of qì to the four limbs.