Library

This is Lizhong Decoction (see Zhenfang Geku, Taiyin Chapter) with Erqian of Pao Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root).

Chen Xiuyuan stated: Lizhong Decoction uses Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Caozhong (Licorice Root) to tonify Yin, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) to tonify Yang. It is a harmonious medicine focusing on the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), connecting upwards to Yang and downwards to Yin. It was established for symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Originally, there was no method to add Fuzi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Praeparata). If Fuzi were added, it would bias towards the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), and could no longer be named Lizhong. However, if both Spleen and Kidney are cold, and after vomiting, severe diarrhea persists without stopping, one must use Fuzi to restore the True Yang, so that the "gate" may become secure. Only by heavily adding this single herb will efficacy be achieved. But since Fuzi is added, yet it is still named Lizhong, the naming is not precise; this is why it is called a "Shifang" (Contemporary Formula). There is also a variation adding Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), named Guifu Lizhong Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Lizhong Decoction); however, the formulation principle cannot be without flaws. Because vomiting and diarrhea lead to the collapse of both Yin and Yang, if Rougui is used, it promotes the Fu-organ Qi of the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel and stirs the Zang-organ Qi of the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel, which might cause profuse sweating, leading to the adverse condition of Yang Collapse (Wang Yang).

This is the premier remedy for Hongjiaojiao (Hong Kong Foot / Gouty Arthritis), suitable for both men and women. If suffering from Wind-Dampness flowing and accumulating, causing unbearable foot pain and swelling of tendons and vessels, this formula is also appropriate. Its efficacy is miraculous.

Jiming San (Rooster-Crow Decoction) is an extraordinarily wonderful formula. It contains Su Ye (Perilla Leaf), Zhuyu (Evodia Fruit), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome). Gua Lou Pi (Trichosanthes Peel), Ju Hong (Tangerine Red Peel), and Binglang (Areca Seed) are decocted and taken cold. For edema and Hongjiaojiao, the effect is manifest. (Binglang 7 pieces, Ju Hong and Mugua (Chaenomeles Fruit) each 1 liang, Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) and Zisu Ye (Perilla Leaf) each 3 qian, Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) each half liang. With 2 large bowls of water, simmer slowly until reduced to 1.5 bowls. Remove dregs. Take the medicine at Jiming time (1–3 AM), until dawn. Black fecal water will be discharged, which is the toxic vapor of Cold-Dampness felt by the Kidneys. By breakfast time, pain must cease and swelling subside. One should delay eating to allow the medicine to take effect. This formula has no dietary restrictions.)

Chen Xiuyuan stated: The pathogenic factors of Cold-Dampness adhere to the Lower Jiao and do not disperse. Therefore, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) are used to expel Cold, while Ju Hong (Tangerine Red Peel) and Binglang (Areca Seed) are used to remove Dampness. Although there are many herbs that expel Cold and remove Dampness, these specific ones excel in their Qi-moving properties. Adding Zisu Ye (Perilla Leaf), which is a Qi-moving herb within Blood, with its pungent and fragrant aroma, further assists the Qi. When Qi is abundant, movement is rapid, fulfilling the meaning of "moving what is stagnant." Furthermore, Mugua (Chaenomeles Fruit) provides Sourness and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) provides Bitterness. The Classic states: "Sour and Bitter induce vomiting and purging, belonging to Yin." Thus, the Cold-Dampness pathogen is resolved through slight sweating by these potent Qi-moving herbs. What remains unresolved is then drained via the Large Intestine (bowels), embodying the principle that "he who fights shall surely win." Why take it at Jiming time? First, because the stomach is empty, allowing the medicinal power to act specifically; second, because Yang Qi is flourishing, allowing Yang-moving herbs to gain momentum. Why take it cold? Because Dampness is a Yin pathogen, and cold liquid also belongs to Yin. Using Yin to follow Yin, blending into one family, serves to lure the pathogen first before attacking it.