Library

Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao), Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudihuang), Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi).

In cases of pregnancy complicated by *Zhuanbao* (retention of urine due to fetal pressure on the bladder) where urination is impossible, taking this decoction and inducing vomiting for several days will lead to recovery. "Zhuanbao" does not refer to a torsion of the uterus; rather, it occurs because the mother's Middle Qi is weak and unable to support the fetus, causing the fetus to descend and compress the bladder. Therefore, by raising the Qi, when the upper orifices become unobstructed, the lower orifices naturally flow freely.

Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) (2 liang), Poria (Fuling) (7 qian 5 fen), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) (3 liang, not stir-fried), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) (1 liang in summer, 7 qian in spring/autumn, 5 qian in winter).

Taking this formula during the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy helps to consolidate the fetal Qi, facilitating easier delivery. Difficult labor often results from internal heat scorching the fluids of the uterus, leading to dryness and difficulty at the time of birth; or it may be due to Spleen Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport essential nutrients, resulting in insufficient uterine fluids, which also causes difficult labor. Thus, Baizhu and Fuling are used to tonify Spleen Earth, nurturing the "Mother of All Things" (the Spleen/Stomach as the source of post-heaven Qi); Huangqin is used to clear fetal heat, draining fire to preserve uterine fluids. Chenpi is included for its pungent and dispersing properties, which promote the movement of Middle Jiao Qi, resolve rich and sweet foods, prevent stagnation of fetal Qi, and ensure the fetus does not become overly large. This embodies the principle of "binding the fetus."

Arecae Pericarpium (Dafupi) (3 qian, washed with black soybean juice, dried before use), Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Perilla Fructus (Zisu), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishaoyao), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) (each 1 qian), Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao) (2 qian).

Taking this formula near the end of pregnancy facilitates easy delivery.

The *Classic of Poetry* states: "When the month of childbirth arrives, the firstborn comes forth easily like a lamb." Zhu Xi explained: "Firstborn refers to the first child; 'Da' refers to a young sheep." Lambs give birth easily without obstruction, hence ancient physicians named this formula "Da Sheng" (Facilitating Birth). However, the cause of difficult labor is mostly due to deficiency of Qi and Blood, and stagnation of Ying and Wei circulation. In this formula, Renshen, Baizhu, and Gancao tonify Qi; Danggui and Shaoyao nourish Blood; Zisu, Dafupi, and Chenpi move stagnation. When Qi and Blood are neither deficient nor stagnant, delivery will be as smooth as that of a lamb.

The *Classic of Poetry* states: "Gathering and plucking the plantain." The plantain (*Cheqian*) is identified here as Plantago Seed (Cheqianzi). Zhu Xi noted: "The specific use of gathering it is unclear, but its seeds treat difficult labor." I, Wu Kun, have learned this theory. Whenever encountering pregnancy near term, I add Cheqianzi to appropriate decoctions, taken with each meal.