Back to previous page Search again ↑

Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论

Ingredients:

• Chái hú (柴胡 Bupleuri Radix, bupleurum [root]) 6–12g
• Huáng qín (黄芩 Scutellariae Radix, scutellaria [root]) 6–9g
• Bàn xià (半夏 Pinelliae Rhizoma, pinellia [rhizome]) 6–9g
• Zhǐ shí (枳实 Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, unripe bitter orange) 6–9g
• Dà huáng (大黄 Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, rhubarb) 6–9g
• Bái sháo (白芍 Paeoniae Radix Alba, white peony [root]) 6–9g
• Shēng jiāng (生姜 Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, fresh ginger) 3–5g
• Dà zǎo (大枣 Jujubae Fructus, jujube) 5–7g

Action: Harmonizes the lesser yáng (shào yáng); precipitates heat binds.

Indication: Alternating heat effusion and aversion to cold, oppression in the chest and rib-side pain, distension and pain in the stomach duct and abdomen, failure to defecate or inhibited diarrhea, bitter taste in the mouth. Tongue fur: Yellow. Pulse: Stringlike and forceful.

Category: Dual exterior-interior resolution formulas / Exterior-resolving interior-attacking formulas

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: This formula is made up of the main agents in Xiǎo chái hú tāng (小柴胡汤 Minor Bupleurum Decoction)and Xiǎo chéng qì tāng (小承气汤 Minor Qì-Coordinating Decoction). The reason why Xiǎo chái hú tāng (小柴胡汤 Minor Bupleurum Decoction)contains Rén shēn is to supplement the center and restore right qì, so as to prevent the evil from passing into the interior. However, in this case, the heat has already entered the yáng brightness (yáng míng), so the use of supplementing agents would only cause further stagnation. Hence, Rén shēn and Gān cǎo are removed. This formula is for mild cases with moderate abdominal fullness, the Hòu pò contained in Xiǎo chéng qì tāng (小承气汤 Minor Qì-Coordinating Decoction)is not used. Bái sháo is added to act with Chái hú and Zhǐ shí to course the liver and relieve pain.

Back to previous page Search again