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Gate-Freeing Pill
通关丸 〔通關丸〕 tōng guān wán
Source: Lán Shì Mì Cáng 兰室秘藏
Alternate Chinese names: Zī shèn wán (滋肾丸 Kidney-Enriching Pill); Zī shèn tōng guān wán (滋肾通关丸 Kidney-Enriching Gate-Opening Pill)
Ingredients
- Huáng bǎi (黄柏 Phellodendri Cortex, phellodendron [bark]) 30g
- Zhī mǔ (知母 Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, anemarrhena [root]) 30g
- Ròu guì (肉桂 Cinnamomi Cortex, cinnamon bark) 1.5g
Actions: Clears damp-heat; aids
Indications: Damp-heat brewing in the bladder with dribbling urinary stoppage, abdominal distension, and pain in the urethra.
Dosage: 6–9g twice a day. Swallow with water.
Rationale: Huáng bǎi enters the kidney and bladder channels, and clears damp-heat in the lower burner. Zhī mǔ enters the lung and kidney channels, clearing lung heat and draining kidney fire. Ròu guì is warm, sweet, and acrid; it diffuses qì and promotes the transformative action of bladder qì. Ròu guì and Huáng bǎi form a acrid opening and bitter downbearing
combination that is effective for binding damp-heat. Note, however, that only a small quantity of Ròu guì is used since the formula addresses heat patterns.
Notes: The gate
appearing in the formula name refers to the opening and closing action of the bladder. Compare Tōng guān sǎn (通关散 Gate-Freeing Powder).
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