Library

To treat various conditions caused by Phlegm-Fire (Tan Huo, phlegm-heat), if sudden loose stools or diarrhea occur, this indicates a deficiency of Qi in both the Spleen and Kidney, failing to control and transport nutrients. This may be due to internal injury from diet, combined with external invasion of Wind-Cold, which agitates the pathogenic factor. In such cases, this formula should be used as the primary prescription.

Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, lightly stir-fried, 1 qian)
Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng Radix, preferably Korean origin, 0.5 qian)
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, honey-fried, 1 qian)
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, soil-fried, 1 qian)
Bai Fu Ling (Poria, peeled, 1 qian)
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, retaining the white pith, 0.8 fen)
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1 qian)
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, baked/warmed, 1 qian)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, honey-roasted, 0.5 fen)
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus, 20 berries)
Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus, 1 qian)
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix, heart removed, 1 qian)

Take the above twelve herbs, add three slices of fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and five jujubes (Da Zao, Zizyphi Fructus). Decoct strongly with ample water. Drink slowly while warm; do not consume rapidly.

If the cause is indeed dietary accumulation of grains, add a small amount of fried Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) to promote digestion. However, since Mai Ya can also soften stools, it should not be used in excess.

If the cause is overconsumption of meat, add a small amount of Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus).

If the cause is overconsumption of wheat products, add a small amount of Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven).

If the condition arises from Wind-Cold directly invading the Taiyin (Taiyin Jueyin Cold-Dampness pattern), causing abdominal pain and diarrhea, remove Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Mai Men Dong from this formula. Add 1-2 fen of dried ginger (Gan Jiang, Zingiberis Rhizoma) that has been stir-fried. Take hot. Externally, apply a cloth bag filled with heated salt for warming compresses. It is also advisable to drink minimal fluids.

In cases of Phlegm-Fire, firm stools are most desirable. The appearance of loose stools should serve as a warning, requiring caution in medication selection. For instance, Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) in this formula is bitter and cold, with moistening and descending properties; it should be omitted if stools are soft or loose. If its use is unavoidable, it must be processed with ginger juice. Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), although sweet and warm, can also induce diarrhea and loose stools; therefore, its dosage should be halved. Both Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Shu Di Huang are cold and cloying/sticky; they must be steamed with ginger juice. Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix) is bitter, cold, moistening, and purgative; it should also be removed in cases of loose stools. Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), Lian Qiao/Cos? No, Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Qin (Scutellariae Radix), and Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) are all bitter and cold. They are strictly contraindicated for patients with Spleen and Kidney deficiency. Note: Mr. Wei stated that for diarrhea, pill forms are preferable. This is because Earth (Spleen) dislikes dampness and prefers dryness. Even when using decoctions, they should be concentrated and taken in small doses, as "decoction" implies sweeping action. Spleen-deficient patients should avoid decoctions because the medicine passes through quickly without staying long in the stomach.