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Source: Nèi Wài Shāng Biàn Huò Lùn 内外伤辨惑论

Alternate Chinese names: 生脉汤; 生脉饮

Ingredients:

• Rén shēn (人参 Ginseng Radix, ginseng) (or Dǎng shēn (党参 Codonopsis Radix, codonopsis [root])) 9–15g
• Mài dōng (麦冬 Ophiopogonis Radix, ophiopogon [root]) 9–12g
• Wǔ wèi zǐ (五味子 Schisandrae Fructus, schisandra [berry]) 3–6g

Action: Boosts qì and nourishes yīn; constrains sweat and engenders the pulse.

Indication: Damage to original qì and yīn liquid by heat, manifesting in signs such as profuse sweating, thirst, and rapid panting verging on desertion.

Category: Supplementing formulas / Qì-supplementing formulas

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: This formula treats damage to qì and yīn by heat after the heat has abated. Rén shēn supplements qì and engenders liquid. Mài dōng nourishes yīn and engender liquid, thus eliminating residual heat. Wǔ wèi zǐ constrains the lung and checks sweating, helping to prevent any further damage to liquid through sweating. Thus, one agent supplements, one agent clears, and one agent constrains, providing mutually complementary action to restore qì and liquid, check sweating, and preserve yīn. This formula treats damage to qì and yīn without any exterior signs. It should not be used either if there are signs of an external evil or if there is great heat that has not caused damage qì and yīn.

Variations:

• Excessive sweating causing damage to liquid: Add Tiān huā fěn (天花粉 Trichosanthis Radix, trichosanthes root) and Wū méi (乌梅 Mume Fructus, mume [fruit]).
• Chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis with cough and signs of insufficiency of qì and liquid: Add Bǎi hé (百合 Lilii Bulbus, lily bulb) and mix-fried Kuǎn dōng huā (款冬花 Farfarae Flos, coltsfoot).
• Heart vexation and insomnia, and arrhythmia: Add Suān zǎo rén (酸枣仁 Ziziphi Spinosi Semen, spiny jujube [kernel]) and Lóng yǎn ròu (龙眼肉 Longan Arillus, longan flesh).

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