【Source】

From Volume 6 of the Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang (Formulary of the People’s Welfare Pharmacy).

 【Ingredients】

Processed Da Huang (Rhubarb), Qu Mai (Dianthus Superbus), Mu Tong (Akebia stem), Hua Shi (Talc), Bian Xu (Polygonum Aviculare), Gan Cao Shao (Licorice root tip), Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), Shan Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Deng Xin Cao (Juncus Effusus)
(9)

 【Category】

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>：Gan Cao Shao

<Downward Draining>：Da Huang

<Clearing Heat and Draining Fire>：Shan Zhi Zi

<Promoting Diuresis and Draining Dampness>：Qu Mai, Hua Shi, Deng Xin Cao, Che Qian Zi, Bian Xu, Mu Tong

【Formula Analysis】

Yifang: This formula addresses the Taiyang and Shaoyang channels of the hands and feet. (1) Mu Tong and Deng Cao clear heat and descend heart fire. The lung is the source of Qi transformation, and the heart is linked to the small intestine. (2) Che Qian Zi clears liver heat and unblocks the bladder, as the liver channel connects to the genitals, and the bladder is the fluid storehouse. (3) Qu Mai and Bian Xu descend fire and promote urination, both draining dampness. (4) Hua Shi promotes the opening of orifices and dispels stagnation. (5) Zhi Zi and Da Huang are bitter and cold, descending downwards, both draining heat and promoting diuresis. (6) Gan Cao combined with Hua Shi forms Liu Yi San. The use of the licorice tip (shao) targets the urethra, and its sweetness alleviates pain. (7) Although it treats the Lower Jiao, it doesn’t focus solely on it; it ensures smooth flow of all three Jiaos so that water can descend. Shanbu: Zhi Zi and Fu Ling clear heat and transport fluids, Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish Yin and transform Yang, supplemented by Gan Cao to harmonize Yin and Yang, with the tip focusing on the anterior Yin. When the heat is solid and severe, not only is the pain intense and urgent, but bowel movements are also obstructed. Ba Zheng San is used to drain both Yin, so Da Huang is added among the herbs that target the anterior Yin, directly attacking the posterior orifice. Danxi’s formula adds Mu Xiang, intending to promote Qi transformation. This formula uses Mu Tong, Qu Mai, and Deng Xin Cao to descend heart fire, clear the small intestine, and promote urination, removing damp-heat and stopping bleeding. Zhi Zi, Da Huang, Che Qian Zi, and Hua Shi drain fire from the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiaos, clear the lungs, benefit the bladder, open the orifices, and promote urination. Coupled with Bian Xu, which promotes diuresis and relieves painful urinary dribbling, and Gan Cao Shao, which stops pain in the penis, damp-heat is eliminated through urination. Painful urination and bloody urine are also resolved, making this formula effective for treating damp-heat accumulation in the Lower Jiao. Cheng Fang Bian Du: This formula uses Da Huang to directly drain damp-heat from the large intestine, preventing it from descending further into the bladder, thereby purifying the source and clearing the flow. For what has already accumulated in the bladder, it is necessary to clear its flow. The herbs above either clear the heart and descend downwards or guide turbidity for dispersion, naturally stopping pain, relieving heat, and expelling damp-heat from the urinary tract.

 【Functions】

Clears heat, drains fire, promotes diuresis, and alleviates painful urinary dribbling.

 【Indications】

Lower Jiao damp-heat, dark, difficult urination, urinary retention, manifesting as heat strangury, stone strangury, symptoms of fever, frequent and painful urination, and urinary dribbling. Yifang: Lower Jiao damp-heat, dry throat, thirst, lower abdominal distention and fullness, urinary retention, or painful bloody urination, or swelling due to heat.

 【Suitable for】

Urinary retention, urinary tract infections, urinary tract stones, urethritis, acute nephritis with excess heat syndrome, postpartum and postoperative urinary retention.

 【Contraindications】

(1) Contraindicated in pregnant women and those with deficiency-cold conditions. (2) Overuse of this formula may cause symptoms of weakness, such as dizziness, palpitations, limb weakness, and poor appetite.

 【Mnemonic】

To be righteous in all directions, don’t boast too much, commute by bus (Zhi Da Hua Shao Bian, Tong Che Qu).

 【Modifications】

(1) For bloody urination, add Xiao Ji (Cephalanoplos segetum) and Bai Mao Gen (Imperata cylindrica) to cool the blood and stop bleeding. (2) For stone strangury, add Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia christinae) and <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/海金砂/’>Hai Jin砂 (Lygodium japonicum) to dissolve stones and relieve painful urinary dribbling. (3) For turbid urine with prostatic fluid, add Bi Xie (Dioscorea hypoglauca) and Shi Chang Pu (Acorus tatarinowii) to separate clear from turbid. (4) For severe heat toxin, add Yin Hua (Lonicera japonica), Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa), and Pu Gong Ying (Taraxacum mongolicum) to clear heat and detoxify. (5) For pyelonephritis and hypertension, add Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides), Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus chinensis), and Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) to tonify the liver and kidneys and lower blood pressure. (6) For loose stools, remove Da Huang. (7) For those with underlying Qi deficiency, remove Da Huang and add Ze Xie (Alisma orientalis), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and Zhu Ling (Polyporus umbellatus). If purgation is needed, add Da Huang.

 【Pharmacology】

Diuretic, anti-stone, stone-expelling, antibacterial, and purgative effects.