Back to previous page Search again ↑

Source: Jīn Guì Yào Lüè 金匮要略

Ingredients:

• Dà huáng (大黄 Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, rhubarb) 6–9g
• Fù zǐ (附子 Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata, aconite [accessory root]) 6–9g
• Xì xīn (细辛 Asari Rhizoma et Radix, asarum) 3–6g

Action: Warms yáng and dispels cold; frees urine and relieves pain.

Indication: Interior cold accumulation with abdominal pain, constipation, cold limbs, and fear of cold. Tongue fur: White. Pulse: Sunken, tight, and stringlike.

Category: Draining-precipitation formulas / Warm precipitation

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: Fù zǐ is used in this formula because, being warm and acrid, it warms the interior and disperses cold. It is also used because of its freeing action, which helps the Dà huáng to free the stool. Dà huáng's coldness and bitterness are counteracted by the Fù zǐ and Xì xīn which are highly acrid and hot, without its stool-freeing capacity being destroyed. To ensure the right balance, the quantity of Fù zǐ is greater than that of the Dà huáng, and the Dà huáng is decocted with the other agents rather than being added near the end. The Xì xīn helps the Fù zǐ to track down the internal cold. This combination of bitter and acrid freeing agents addresses constipation due to repletion cold accumulation.

Variations:

• Severe abdominal pain relieved by warmth: Add Guì zhī (桂枝 Cinnamomi Ramulus, cinnamon twig) and Bái sháo (白芍 Paeoniae Radix Alba, white peony [root]).
• Severe food accumulation with abdominal distension and grimy tongue fur: Add Zhǐ shí (枳实 Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, unripe bitter orange) and Shén qū (神曲 Massa Medicata Fermentata , medicated leaven).
• Cold mounting (hán shàn)with lumbar pain: Add Xiǎo huí xiāng (小茴香 Foeniculi Fructus, fennel [fruit]) and Ròu guì (肉桂 Cinnamomi Cortex, cinnamon bark).
• Pronounced vacuity: Add Dǎng shēn (党参 Codonopsis Radix, codonopsis [root]) and Huáng qí (黄芪 Astragali Radix, astragalus [root]) to supplement qì.

Back to previous page Search again