Back to previous page Search again ↑

Source: Jǐng Yuè Quán Shū 景岳全书

Ingredients:

• Hēi chǒu (黑丑 Pharbitidis Semen Atrum, black morning glory [seed]) 120g
• Gān suì (甘遂 Kansui Radix, kansui [root]) (roasted wrapped in paper)60g
• Yuán huā (芫花 Genkwa Flos, genkwa [flower]) 30g
• Dà jǐ (大戟 Euphorbiae seu Knoxiae Radix, euphorbia/knoxia [root]) 30g
• Dà huáng (大黄 Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, rhubarb) 60g
• Qīng pí (青皮 Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride, unripe tangerine peel) 15g
• Chén pí (陈皮 Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, tangerine peel) 15g
• Mù xiāng (木香 Aucklandiae Radix, costusroot) 15g
• Bīng láng (槟榔 Arecae Semen, areca [nut]) 15g
• Qīng fěn (轻粉 Calomelas , calomel) 3g

Action: Moves qì and expels water.

Indication: Drum distension (severe ascites) with inhibited urination and defecation, and shortness of breath. Tongue fur: Yellow and slimy. Pulse: Replete and rapid.

Category: Draining-precipitation formulas / Water-expelling formulas

Method: Grind to fine powder, mix to a paste with water, and form into pills the size of small beans. Take five pills on an empty stomach three times a day.

Dosage: A modern dosage is 6–9g taken with water once a day on an empty stomach in the morning.

Warnings: Use only for yáng water patterns in patients with replete physical body and qì (strong body and qì) and not for yīn water patterns in patients with withered-yellow facial complexion, lassitude of spirit, cold limbs, white tongue fur, sunken moderate or forceless fine pulses. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in the elderly.

Rationale: Gān suì, Yuán huā, and 大戟 are drastic precipitating agents that expel water. Dà huáng and Qiān niú zǐ seed are heat-draining precipitants. These five agents carry the repletion heat out through the stool and urine. Bīng láng, Qīng pí, and Mù xiāng move qì and disinhibit water. Qīng fěn is a cold acrid agent disinhibits water and frees the stool, and therefore enhances the water expelling action. The formula is so named because its draining action is like boats floating down a fast-flowing river or carts rolling down a steep hill.

Similar: Shí zǎo tāng (十枣汤 Ten Jujubes Decoction)

Back to previous page Search again