【Source】

《Jinkui Yaolue》 (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet), Volume II.

 【Composition】

Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Magnolia Bark (Houpo), Poria (Fuling), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang), Perilla Leaf (Zisuye or Suye)
(5 ingredients)

 【Categories】

<Warm Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior>: Perilla Leaf (Zisuye), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang)

<Tonify Spleen and Promote Diuresis>: Poria (Fuling)

<Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness>: Magnolia Bark (Houpo)

<Transform Phlegm>: Pinellia Tuber (Banxia)

【Formula Interpretation】

According to ‘Handian’, Pinellia Tuber (Banxia) and Poria (Fuling) in this formula are effective in eliminating retained fluid in the stomach, treating nausea and vomiting, and regulating fluid circulation. Magnolia Bark (Houpo) relieves muscular tension and spasms, treats abdominal distention, and unblocks stagnant Qi. Perilla Leaf (Suye) acts as a mild stimulant to uplift mood and invigorate gastrointestinal function. Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) assists Poria (Fuling) and Pinellia Tuber (Banxia) in their therapeutic effects, boosting gastrointestinal function, eliminating retained fluid, and stopping vomiting. This formula disperses stagnant Qi and brightens the heart Qi, hence it is often used for neuroses, especially anxiety neurosis. Furthermore, a sensation of obstruction in the throat, or what ancient practitioners called “plum-pit qi” (Meiheqi), characterized by an uncomfortable feeling of a spherical object blocking the throat, is also a target for this formula. Patients suitable for this formula often have weak gastrointestinal function, with sensations of stagnation in the stomach, abdominal fullness, retained fluid in the stomach, and gas retention. These gastrointestinal disorders and the aforementioned neurotic symptoms are fundamentally intertwined; using this formula helps to resolve both these gastrointestinal issues and neurotic symptoms simultaneously.

 【Functions】

Regulates Qi and disperses stagnation, descends rebellious Qi and transforms phlegm, disperses nodules/lumps.

 【Indications】

Emotional distress, stagnation due to the seven emotions, Qi stagnation with phlegm-damp condensation, sensation of obstruction in the throat (cannot spit out or swallow), chest and epigastric fullness and stuffiness, cough with phlegm, nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurotic symptoms.

 【Applications】

Chronic pharyngitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, wind-cold cough, whooping cough, esophageal spasm, morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), pregnancy vomiting, gastritis, gastroptosis, esophageal diverticulum, gastric atony, gastric neurosis presenting with the above symptoms, plum-pit qi (Meiheqi), as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, digestive system diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, and gynecological conditions caused by emotional depression, Qi stagnation, and phlegm-damp condensation.

 【Mnemonic】

(1) After using Er Chen Tang (minus Chenpi and Gancao), one feels comfortable (Hou Su – Mnemonic linking Houpo and Suye to ‘comfortable’). (2) Ginger descends, then one feels comfortable (Jiang Xia Hou, Su Fu – Mnemonic for Fresh Ginger, Pinellia Tuber, Magnolia Bark, Perilla Leaf, Poria).

 【Modifications】

(1) If Qi stagnation is severe, add Bupleurum (Chaihu), Turmeric Tuber (Yujin), Cyperus Rhizome (Xiangfu), Immature Bitter Orange (Qingpi), or adapt the formula by combining with Xiaoyao San. (2) If chest oppression is severe and phlegm is thick and difficult to expectorate, add Fructus Trichosanthis (Gualou) and Bitter Orange (Zhiqiao) to regulate Qi, broaden the chest, and transform phlegm. (3) If there is hypochondriac pain, add Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit (Chuanlianzi) and Corydalis Tuber (Yanhuosu) to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and relieve pain. (4) If there is throat pain, add Scrophularia (Xuanshen) and Platycodon Root (Jiegen) to detoxify and disperse nodules, promote lung function, and benefit the throat. (5) If Jujube (Dazao) is added to this formula, it becomes Six-Seven Decoction (Siqi Tang) from “Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang”. Its indications are similar, but it is more suitable for those with less severe phlegm-dampness. (6) For thirst, add Kudzu Root (Gegen) 3 fen (a traditional unit of weight).

 【Pharmacology】

Has sedative, anti-allergic, antiemetic, and intestine-enhancing effects, among others.