Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Shang Han Lun, c. 220

Preparation:

Boil in 12 cups of water down to 6 cups; discard the herbs and boil again to 3 cups. (Source text)
Today, it is often prepared as a standard decoction, boiling the Oyster shell for 30–45 minutes before adding the other herbs, resulting in 3 cups.

Function:

Warms the Interior, Clears Water Accumulation, Restrains Yin, Harmonizes Shao Yang

Use:

Shao Yang disorder with Fluid accumulation.
Fullness and congestion in the Chest and Hypochondria, Dysuria, Thirst, alternating Chills and Fever, Irritability;
Gall Bladder Heat with Spleen Cold
1. Bronchitis
2. Common Cold
3. Influenza
4. Typhoid Fever
5. Pneumonia
6. Cholecystitis
7. Hepatitis
8. Difficult Urination
9. Malaria with more Cold and less Fever

Dose:

One cup, three times a day (The above taken over the course of the day)

Comment:

This is a less commonly used formula of the Shang Han Lun, and according to modern Chinese texts, is a formula not readily understood by many practitioners. The primary presentation is a Bitter taste in the mouth, chills and fever (primary signs of Shao Yang disorder) along with fluid accumulation. It is also represented by Heat of the Gall Bladder (and Liver) along with Cold of the Spleen (and Stomach).

Cautions:

Only suitable for the pattern presented above

Modifications:

1. Difficult urination, add Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi)
2. Fever related to Tuberculosis, add Astragalus Huang Qi and Soft-Shelled Turtle Shell (Bie Jia)

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