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Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论

Ingredients

• Guā dì (瓜蒂 Melonis Pedicellus, melon stalk) (stir–fried until yellow)
• Chì xiǎo dòu (赤小豆 Vignae Semen, rice bean)
• Dàn dòu chǐ (淡豆豉 Sojae Semen Praeparatum, fermented soybean¹)

Actions: Ejects phlegm-food.

Indications: Phlegm-drool accumulating in the chest with qì surging up into the throat; distension of the stomach duct and abdomen due to voracious eating and drinking; epilepsy, and wind-phlegm patterns.

Category: Ejection formulas

Method: Grind equal amounts of guadi and chixiaodou together. Decoct 1.5–3g of powder with 15g of dandouchi. Increase the dosage if vomiting does not ensue.

Dosage: 1.5–3g each time.

Warnings: Ejection can damage right qì. This formula should not be prescribed for weak patients, pregnant or postpartum female patients, or infants.

Rationale: Guā dì is bitter in flavor and induces vomiting. It is effective for this purpose on its own. For this reason, it is the sovereign agent in the formula. However, because it is toxic and can damage stomach qì, it is combined with Dàn dòu chǐ and Chì xiǎo dòu, which safeguard stomach qì and thus prevent damage to right qì. Dàn dòu chǐ, furthermore, is light and clear and has a diffusing action that enables it to diffuse evil qì in the chest, as well as enhancing the Guā dì's emetic effect.

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