【Source】
《Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber》
【Composition】
Mu Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
(4 ingredients)
【Category】
<Tonify Qi>: Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
<Warm Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior>: Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi)
<Dispel Wind-Dampness>: Mu Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae)
<Clear Heat and Drain Fire>: Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
【Formula Explanation】
《Chinese Materia Medica》: This formula consists of four ingredients: Mu Fang Ji, Shi Gao, Gui Zhi, and Ren Shen. Mu Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae), combined with Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), can reduce edema and promote diuresis. Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), combined with Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), is effective in treating vexation, thirst, and epigastric glomus with firmness.
【Functions】
Promotes water circulation and disperses stagnation, restores Yin and calms rebellion.
【Indications】
Phlegm-fluid accumulation between the diaphragm, asthma and fullness, epigastric glomus with firmness, dark complexion, deep-tight pulse. This applies to cases where these symptoms have persisted for tens of days, and repeated emesis and purgation by physicians have failed to cure it. This formula targets abdominal symptoms of epigastric glomus with firmness, accompanied by rapid breathing, wheezing, edema, poor complexion, and reduced urination. Such symptoms often appear due to impaired compensatory function in valvular heart disease; they can also manifest as signs of hepatomegaly or pulmonary edema. In severe cases, the patient may not even be able to lie flat. The pulse becomes deep and tight, but one should not rigidly adhere to this point.
【Clinical Applications】
Nephritis, edema, beriberi, bronchial asthma, valvular heart disease, hepatomegaly, pulmonary edema.
【Mnemonic】
Mu Fang Ji (Stephania Root) picked up a noble person (Shi (Gao) Gui (Zhi) Ren (Shen)).
【Modifications】
For cold stomach with downward flow, add Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 3 liang, Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 2.5 liang, Long Gu (Os Draconis) 2 liang. 《Chinese Materia Medica》: Modified Mu Fang Ji Tang refers to a prescription where Sang Bai Pi (Cortex Mori), Su Zi (Fructus Perillae), and Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) are added to <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/木防己湯/’>Mu Fang Ji Tang. This modification aims to promote diuresis and treat wheezing. Mu Fang Ji Tang without Shi Gao, with Fu Ling and Mang Xiao (Mu Fang Ji Qu Shi Gao Jia Fu Ling Mang Xiao Tang), is used when the patient has already seen improvement, but symptoms recur severely.