【Source】

Shang Han Lun

 【Composition】

Bamboo leaf, Gypsum, Pinellia tuber, Ophiopogon japonicus, Ginseng, (Honey-fried) Licorice, Japonica rice
(7)

 【Classification】

<Nourishing Yin>: Ophiopogon japonicus

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng

<Transforming Phlegm>: Pinellia tuber

<Clearing Heat and Purging Fire>: Bamboo leaf, Gypsum

<External Use Drugs and Others>: Japonica rice

【Analysis】

From Yi Fang: This formula belongs to the Lung Tai Yin and Stomach Yang Ming channels. (1) Bamboo leaf and Gypsum: Acrid and cold, used to dissipate residual heat. (2) Ginseng, Licorice, Ophiopogon japonicus, Japonica rice: Sweet and neutral, used to benefit and harmonize the stomach, tonify deficiency, and generate fluids. (3) Pinellia tuber: Acrid and warm, used to resolve phlegm and stop vomiting. Therefore, it removes heat without damaging the vital qi and can guide rebellious qi upwards while benefiting qi. From Jin Jian: This formula is essentially Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) with the removal of Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) and the addition of Ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus, Pinellia tuber, and Bamboo leaf. It transforms a strongly cold formula into one of clearing and tonifying, representing a variation of Zhang Zhongjing’s Bai Hu Tang. The classics state: “What is deficient in form should be warmed by qi; what is deficient in essence should be supplemented by flavor.” Thus, Ginseng and Japonica rice are used to tonify form and qi; Bamboo leaf and Gypsum are added to clear stomach heat; Ophiopogon japonicus is added to generate fluids, Pinellia tuber to guide rebellious qi downwards and further expel phlegm and dampness, and Licorice to tonify the middle jiao and harmonize the other herbs. From Cheng Fang Bian Du: The formula uses Bamboo leaf and Gypsum to clear heat from the Lung and Stomach. However, heat generates phlegm, and if phlegm lingers in the middle, heat cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, Pinellia tuber, which is acrid, warm, and slippery, is used to transform phlegm, expel dampness, and harmonize yin and yang. Furthermore, its nature is excellent at dispersing rebellious qi, making it a supreme medicine for stopping vomiting. Coupled with the pungent dissipation of Fresh Ginger, it assists Pinellia tuber where it may fall short. One dissipates, the other clears, and the pathogenic factors cannot linger. Ginseng, Licorice, and Japonica rice nourish the stomach, and Ophiopogon japonicus preserves the Lung. Although this formula is said to clear heat, it does not use bitter and cold herbs. Although it nourishes yin, it can still benefit qi without damaging the harmonious balance.

 【Functions】

Tonifies deficiency, guides rebellious qi downwards, clears heat and generates fluids, benefits qi and harmonizes the stomach.

 【Indications】

(1) After recovery from Shang Han (Cold Damage), Wen Re (Warm Febrile disease), or Shu Bing (Summer Heat disease), when residual heat has not yet cleared, qi and yin are both deficient, manifesting as fever with much sweating, vexation and fullness in the chest, rebellious qi with desire to vomit, dry mouth and lips, nausea, poor appetite, a bright red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse. (2) Stomach yin is insufficient, stomach fire rises upwards, causing mouth and tongue sores, thirst, a red and dry tongue, and a fine, rapid pulse. (3) Xiao Ke disease (Wasting and Thirsting disease) with excessive stomach fire, consuming grain and being very hungry. (4) Childhood Summer Heat. (5) This is a formula derived from Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Tuber Decoction) by removing Da Zao (Jujube) and adding Bamboo leaf and Gypsum. Therefore, it is indicated for conditions similar to those treated by Mai Men Dong Tang, but with weakened physical strength, dry skin and mucous membranes, lack of lubrication, dry mouth and tongue, and thirst. From Yi Fang: (1) After recovery from Shang Han, when there is deficiency, lassitude, weak voice, and rebellious qi with desire to vomit. (2) Also treats Shang Shu (Summer Heat), fever, and a weak pulse.

 【Applications】

Chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, etc., causing hemoptysis; chronic gastritis, ulcer disease, diabetes; heatstroke, stubborn high fever, stomatitis, vasomotor headaches, canker sores, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, side effects of chemotherapy, childhood anorexia, childhood pneumonia, childhood summer fever, measles, and other conditions.

 【Contraindications】

(1) Contraindicated for those with yang deficiency and severe cold. (2) Avoid consumption of seaweed, lamb, Chinese cabbage, and ‘xing’ (a type of sweet cake).

 【Mnemonics】

(1) Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang + no Zhi Mu, Mai Men Dong, Ban Xia (Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang plus no Zhi Mu, Mai Men Dong, and Ban Xia). (2) Zhu Ye Shi Gao (Bamboo Leaf Gypsum) — Zhu Gao Xia Cao Mai Mi Ren (Bamboo, Gypsum, Ban Xia, Cao Guo, Mai Men Dong, Mi Ren).

 【Modifications】

(1) If stomach fire is excessive, causing consumption of grain and hunger, with a red tongue and rapid pulse, add Zhi Mu and Hua Fen to enhance the action of clearing heat and generating fluids. (2) If stomach yin is insufficient, stomach fire rises upwards, causing mouth and tongue sores, with a red and dry tongue, add Shi Hu and Yu Zhu to nourish stomach yin. (3) If heat in the qi aspect is still strong, add Zhi Mu and Huang Lian to enhance the action of clearing heat.

 【Pharmacology】

Has effects of antipyretic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive actions.