Herb Formulas Notebook

Wu Zhu Yu Tang

Evodia Decoction


Author: Zhang Zhong-Jing, 張仲景

Year: c. 220

Source: Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun, 傷寒論)


Category: Formulas that Warm Interior Cold

Pattern: Jueyin syndrome with deficiency Cold of the middle Jiao and upward rebellion of turbid Yin, Jueyin type disharmony of Yin Wei Mai

Key Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, migraine-like headaches, vertex headaches, aversion to cold (or cold as a trigger)
Secondary Symptoms: Vomiting immediately after eating, indeterminate gnawing hunger, acid reflux with or without epigastric pain, dry heaves, spitting up of clear fluids, diarrhoea, cold hands and feet, agitation, neck pain, backache

Tongue: White, wet or slippery coating
Pulse: Submerged and frail or submerged, thin and wiry
Abdomen: Drum like distention or depression of epigastrium, splashing sounds, reduced tone in abdominal muscles


Ingredients

Wu Zhu Yu 9-12g
Ren Shen 9g
Sheng Jiang 12sl
Da Zao 4pc


Preparation: Decoction.


Actions: Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach, directs rebellious Qi downwards, stops vomiting

Contraindications: Vomiting or acid reflux due to Heat, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.



Notes:
Extraordinary Vessel attributions come from Li Shi-Zhen's (1577-8) Exposition on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels (Qi Jing Ba Mai Kao), trans. Chace & Shima (2009).

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One liang is taken as 3g in modern sources but in Eastern Han times it was equivalent to 13.875g. This means that the dosages in classical formulae could have been more than 4x what is given today making them far higher than recommended safe dosages today but prompts consideration of what an effective dose may be (He, 2013).



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These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted.