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Poria, Cinnamon Twig, White Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction
茯苓桂枝白朮甘草汤 〔茯苓桂枝白朮甘草湯〕 fú líng guì zhī bái zhú gān cǎo tāng
Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论
Ingredients
- Fú líng (茯苓 Poria , poria) 20g
- Guì zhī (桂枝 Cinnamomi Ramulus, cinnamon twig) 12g
- Bái zhú (白朮 Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, white atractylodes [root]) 12g
- Gān cǎo (甘草 Glycyrrhizae Radix, licorice [root]) (mix-fried) 6g
Actions: Fortifies the spleen and percolates dampness; warms yáng and transforms rheum.
Indications: Phlegm-rheum collecting as a result of center burner yáng vacuity with signs such as dizziness, fullness in the chest and rib-side, thirst with no desire to drink, shortness of breath, and cough. Tongue fur: White and glossy or gray and slimy. Pulse: Stringlike and slippery.
Method: Decoct with water.
Rationale: Fú líng, which fortifies the spleen and percolates dampness, is the sovereign agent in the formula. Guì zhī is used to warm yáng and promote qì transformation, and combined with Fú líng warms the spleen and transforms dampness. Bái zhú not only fortifies the spleen and boosts qì but also helps the Fú líng move water-damp, thus eliminating the phlegm-rheum at source. Zhì gān cǎo combined with the Bái zhú helps to supplement the spleen and boosts qì, while combined with the Guì zhī it helps to supplement yáng. Guì zhī ensures that the Gān cǎo does not cause congestion. This simple formula is effective for a broad range of patterns.
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