Author: Li Chan / Jian-Zhai
Source: Introduction to Medicine (1575)
Category: Formulas that are Applied Externally
Pattern: Wind-Cold invasion
Key Symptoms: Nasal congestion with clear copious discharge
Secondary Symptoms: Wind-Cold exterior signs: aversion to cold, headache, chills and fever, aching joints, absence of sweating
Ingredients
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Bi Ba
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Pinyin: Bi Ba
Chinese: 蓽茇
Pharmaceutical: Fructus Piperis Longi
English: Long Pepper |
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Tastes: Pungent, hot
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Large Intestine |
Actions & Indications:
- Warms the Middle Jiao, disperses Cold from the Stomach and Intestines, Descends Qi and stops pain
Cold congealing and leading to Qi Stagnation in the epigastrium and abdomen with nausea, vomiting, belching, acid regurgitation, loss of appetite and abdominal pain
Stomach Cold
- Treats toothache (topical)
As a powder for toothache
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Standard Dosage: 1.5-3g in decoction.
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Xiang Fu
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Pinyin: Xiang Fu
Chinese: 香附
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Cyperi
English: Nut-Grass Rhizome |
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Tastes: Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet, bland
Meridians Entered: Liver and Triple Energizer |
Actions & Indications:
- Spreads and regulates Liver Qi
Liver Qi Stagnation with hypochondriac pain and epigastric distention
Disharmony between the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation and alleviates pain
Gynecological disorders due to Liver Qi Stagnation with dysmenorrhea or irregular menstruation
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Standard Dosage: 6-10g in decoction.
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Da Suan
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Pinyin: Da Suan
Chinese: 大蒜
Pharmaceutical: Bulbus Allii sativi
Taxonomy: Allium sativum
English: Garlic |
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Tastes: Pungent, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine |
Actions & Indications:
- Kills Parasites and Expels Demons
Hookworms and pinworms and, with appropriate herbs for other types of intestinal parasites
Tinea of the scalp
Single-clove purple garlic from Sichuan, is often recommended as the most effective single remedy for Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998) as the Gu-snakes greatly fear garlic Qi
Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
- Disperses abscesses and reduces swellings
Primarily for early stages of abscesses and sores (internally and topically)
- Resolves toxicity
Tinea and other pruritic rashes (primarily topically)
- Warms the Stomach, strengthens the Spleen, promotes the movement of Qi, reduces Stagnation and resolves toxicity
Diarrhoea and dysenteric disorders due to epidemic toxins or Food Stagnation (can be used as a stand-alone herb for mild cases of Food Stagnation)
- Prevents influenza and treats shellfish poisoning
Bacterial and viral epidemics Shellfish poisoning
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Standard Dosage: 5-10g eaten raw or made into syrup.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for oral taking in case of yin deficiency with effulgent fire and people with eye disease or tooth disease or tongue disease or throat disease.
Its potential to increase antiplatelet activity means it can enhance the effects of anticoagulants, NSAIDs and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). |
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Preparation: Equal amount of Bi Ba and Xiang Fu are ground into a powder and stored in an airtight container. When ready the powder is pounded with fresh garlic into a a flat round cake about 2cm in diameter and 1cm thick. It is heated and then placed on acupuncture point Du-22 (Xin Hui) with moxa burned on top of it to keep it warm and lifted occasionally to prevent burning the hair or skin.
Actions: Warms the exterior, dispels Cold, opens the nose
Notes:
This method using different herbs and points can be used for several other disorders.
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.
