Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Discussion of Cold-induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun)

Preparation:

Prepare a standard decoction. The Hematite should be crushed and decocted for 45–60 minutes before adding the other herbs.
The original dose of Hematite was 3 grams, but today, up to 15 grams is used. The original dose of Licorice was 9 grams, but today, 3 grams is commonly used. The original dose of fresh Ginger was 15 grams, but today, 6 grams is commonly used.

Function:

Harmonizes the Stomach, directs Qi downwards, resolves Phlegm

Use:

White slippery tongue coat with a wiry and weak pulse.
1. Persistent Belching
2. Hiccough
3. Regurgitation
4. Nausea and Vomiting
5. Chronic Gastritis
6. Acid Reflux
7. Gastroduodenal Ulcer
8. Hiatus Hernia
9. Morning Sickness
10. Esophageal Cancer
11. Dizziness or Vertigo
12. Meniere’s Disease
13. Sequelae of Meningitis

Dose:

The above decoction is divided into 3 equal doses to be taken over the course of a day.

Comment:

This formula is used for rising Stomach Qi with Damp-Phlegm obstructing the Stomach, and some degree of Deficiency.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Codonopsis Dang Shen is commonly substituted for Ginseng at 2–3 times the dose.
2. If there is no Deficiency, Ginseng can be omitted.
3. If there is more Damp obstruction with little Qi deficiency, Atractylodes Bai Zhu can replace Ginseng.
4. Also for excess Damp, add Citrus Chen Pi, Poria Fu Ling.
5. Severe Phlegm and Damp, add Citrus Chen Pi, Poria Fu Ling, Pinellia Ban Xia, dry Ginger (Gan Jiang).
6. For more pronounced Cold in the Stomach, use dry Ginger in place of fresh Ginger.
7. Cold limbs and Diarrhea, add dry Ginger (Gan Jiang) and Atractylodes Bai Zhu.
8. With Food Stagnation, add immature Orange (Zhi Shi)
9. For Heat or Damp-Heat in the Stomach, add Scutellaria Huang Qin and Coptis Huang Lian.
10. Stomach Yin deficiency, add Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong.
11. With Stomach Pain, add Cyperus Xiang Fu, Costus Mu Xiang.
12. Cough and Wheezing, add Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi) and Fritillaria Chuan Bei Mu.
13. Dizziness or Vertigo, add Gastrodia Tian Ma, Uncaria Gou Teng, Atractylodes Bai Zhu.
14. Meniere’s Disease, add dry Ginger (Gan Jiang), Calamus (Shi Chang Pu), Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu)
15. Stomach Cancer, take with Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang

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