Author: Unknown
Year: Pre-Qin to late Han dynasty
Source: Divine Pivot Classic, chapter 71. (Ling Shu Jing, 靈樞經)
Category: Formulas that Calm the Spirit
Pattern: Phlegm and Dampness obstructing the middle Jiao preventing Yang from entering Yin, Yang Qiao Mai disharmony.
Key Symptoms: Insomnia
Ingredients
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Zhi Ban Xia
| 1pt | |
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Pinyin: Ban Xia
Chinese: 半夏
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Pinelliae
Taxonomy: Pinellia ternata
English: Pinellia Rhizome |
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Tastes: Pungent, warm, toxic
Meridians Entered: Lung, Spleen and Stomach |
Actions & Indications:
- Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs (cough with copious sputum)
Especially effective for Damp-Phlegm of the Spleen (Cold-Damp Stagnation)
- Descends Rebellious Qi and stops vomiting (harmonizes the Stomach)
Vomiting due to Phlegm-Damp in the Stomach (Tan Yin), Cold thin mucus, Stomach Deficiency, Stomach Heat or pregnancy
- Dissipates nodules and reduces Stagnation (clumps)
Phlegm in the chest (nodules, pressure, distention, pain)
Phlegm nodules in the neck (goiter, scrofula)
Focal distension in the chest and epigastrium
Obstruction caused by Phlegm anywhere in the body
- Treats sores, skin ulcerations and carbuncles and reduces swelling (external)
Topically as a powder for sores, skin ulcerations and carbuncles
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Contraindicated to Wu Tou. Use with cautions during gestation.
Must be processed before use as raw Ban Xia is toxic. Ingesting the raw form can cause severe irritation of the mouth, pharynx, and gastrointestinal tracts, and has toxic effects on the nervous system. Symptoms of toxicity include a dry mouth, numbness of the tongue, gastric discomfort, burning sensations and swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat and salivation. In serious cases ingesting Ban Xia can result in hoarseness, spasms, dyspnoea and asphyxia.
Processing can be done with ginger and alum (Jiang Ban Xia) to make a warming herb best suited for Cold-Damp and thin Phlegm conditions, or with liquorice (Fa Ban Xia) to make a more neutral herb that is less drying and can be used for Damp-Heat conditions too. |
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Shu Mi
| 2pt | | (see note below) |
Pinyin: Shu Mi
Chinese: 黍米
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Setariae
Taxonomy: Setaria italica
English: Foxtail Millet |
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Tastes: Sweet, slightly warm
Meridians Entered: Large Intestine, Lung, Stomach and Spleen |
Actions & Indications:
- Tonifies Qi and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach
Coughing, diarrhoea, stomachache and vomiting
- Relieve restlessness, removes toxicity and relieves thirst
Scalds, polydipsia and mycotic stomatitis
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Standard Dosage: 30-90g in decoction.
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Preparation: Decoction. The source text advises selecting 5 sheng (approx 5L) of the clearest water and bringing to a boil, then adding 1 sheng (1L) of Shu Mi and 5 He (500ml) of Ban Xia and boiling down to 1.5 Sheng (1.5L). Remove the dregs and take one small cup three times a day, increasing slowly until the effect is apparent.
Actions: Dispels Phlegm, clears away filth, establishes communication between Yin and Yang
Notes:
Shu Mi may usually refers to millet (Steriae Fructus) but may also refer to sorghum (Sorghum Fructus). Sorghum is normally called Gao Liang but also sometimes Bei Shu Mi 北秫米 (Blalack, 2016). Sorghum makes more sense for having Spirit calming properties but the formula also centres on resolving Dampness in the Middle for which millet could be used.
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).
Research Links:
Reference Notes: (click to display)
Most formulas are found in Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet (2009): Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies and Chen & Chen (2015) Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications. Others are from translations of primary sources. It is recommended that the original material is cross-referenced for mistakes and additional information.
Substitutions have been taken from Ken Lloyd & Prof. Leung (2004): Mayway UK Substitution List or the above publications and are intended as suggestions to help navigate the tight restrictions in the UK quickly. More applicable substitutions may be appropriate in specific situations.
Individual herb information has initially been sourced from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted.
