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Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论

Alternate Chinese names: Zhī zǐ dòu chǐ tāng (栀子豆豉汤 Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction)

Ingredients

• Zhī zǐ (栀子 Gardeniae Fructus, gardenia [fruit]) 6–9g
• Dàn dòu chǐ (淡豆豉 Sojae Semen Praeparatum, fermented soybean¹) 9–12g

Actions: Clears heat and eliminates vexation.

Indications: External evils in the qì aspect, characterized by heat effusion, oppression in the chest, and vexation. Tongue fur: Slightly yellow. Also treats vacuity vexation and insomnia after sweating, ejection or precipitation in febrile diseases.

Category: Heat-clearing formulas / Qì-aspect heat-clearing formulas

Method: Decoct with water.

Rationale: Zhī zǐ is a cold bitter agent that clears heats and eliminates vexation. It is effective for this purpose when used alone. However, the pattern addressed by the formula is depressed heat in the chest and diaphragm. For this reason, cold acrid Dàn dòu chǐ, which has a diffusing, outthrusting action is combined with the Zhī zǐ to help to diffuse and drain the heat in the chest and thereby alleviate the vexation. Although this formula comprises only two agents, the combination is very effective. For this reason, it has been used by generations of physicians over the centuries.

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