Tradition:

Tibetan

Source / Author:

Tang Tong Gyelpo (14th century)
There are a number of different variations and versions given for the “White Pill”. The first version is from Drungtso:

* Different sources have listed different proportions for each medicine. The left column is from Men Tsee Kang, the right column is from Russian sources.
** processed with Heat (tsha btul)
*** Some sources list regular Chebula.
**** Some sources list Inula racemosa; some sources have said either Costus or Inula can be used.

Another version:

* processed with Heat (tsha btul)
** The original source text listed Kunje gyelpo, which is an obscure name. The Northern Tradition of Tibetan Medicine equates this medicine with Pterocephalus hookeri, whereas the Southern Tradition uses Picrorhiza kurroa. Others have said it is Re skon (Corydalis).
*** Some sources list Vladimiria souliei (which is one of the types of Costus)

Preparation:

Powder the herbs and form pills with Honey.

Function:

Balances Phlegm, Bile and Wind, Regulates Qi, Benefits the Stomach

Use:

“The best medicine for Stomach diseases”
“For all Stomach diseases’
“particularly often this medicine is recommended for the disease of combination of Bad kan (Phlegm) and Blood in the Stomach”.
1. Acute and Chronic Stomach disorders
2. Fullness of the Chest and Epigastrium
3. Indigestion
4. Gastritis
5. Stomach pain
6. Vomiting
7. Hyperacidity, Reflux
8. Stomach Ulcer
9. Diarrhea
10. Brown Phlegm (Bad Kan Smug po)
11, Cough, Hoarseness, Asthma from “Bad blood” entering the Lungs

Dose:

2–3 grams twice daily

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some sources list Vladimiria, others Inula root. The former is one of the sources of Costus. Costus and Inula are similar and related, and often combined. Costus is better to move the Qi, Inula is better as a Qi tonic. The choice can be made according to the nature of the patient and condition being treated. In most cases, Costus will be the best choice.
2. If the cause is a Wind disorder, Aloeswood and Clove are added
3. If the cause is Bile, Swertia and Herpetospermum are added
4. If Phlegm predominates, Pomegranate and Herpetospermum are added
5. For inflammations, Aconite (Bong nga) and Musk are added
6. The Six Excellent Medicines can be added for disorders of the organs
7. The version of the Chinese Pharmacopeia adds Pomegranate fruit, Chaenomelas Mu Gua, Aloeswood, Clove, Safflower, Nutmeg, Alpinia Cao Dou Kou, Amomum Cao Guo.
8. Lung or Stomach Cancer (etc.), combined with prepared Mercury (Btso thal), this is called Grub Btso. This can be used for various Cancers.

Comment:

This is highly regarded in Tibetan Medicine, and is regarded as a “Single medicine to cure 100 diseases”. It can cure imbalance of the Three Humors. Despite its traditional praise for a variety of diseases, today it is primarily used for Stomach complaints.

Today, many manufacturers produce White Pills, often containing 9–15 ingredients. The Six Excellent Medicines (either some or all) are commonly added.

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