【Source】

“Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji Fang”

 【Composition】

Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Root), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root), Bing Lang (Areca Seed), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root)
(9)

 【Classification Group】

<Blood Tonifying>: Dang Gui, Shao Yao

<Regulating Qi>: Mu Xiang

<Spleen and Middle Tonifying>: Gan Cao

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Huang Lian, Huang Qin

<Purging>: Da Huang

<Warming the Interior>: Rou Gui

<Expelling Parasites>: Bing Lang

【Formula Rationale】

From “Yi Fang”: This formula belongs to the Foot Tai Yin and Hand/Foot Yang Ming channels. (1) Shao Yao: Sour and cold, it disperses Liver Fire, consolidates Yin Qi, and harmonizes Ying and Wei. Therefore, it is the chief herb. (2) Da Huang, Gui Wei: Break up stagnation and move blood. (3) Mu Xiang, Bing Lang: Unblock stagnation and move Qi. (4) Huang Qin, Huang Lian: Dry dampness and clear heat. (5) This is because dysentery is caused by damp-heat accumulating in the intestines and stomach, leading to blockage. Thus, the stool is heavy and urgent, and urination is red and difficult. Pungent herbs disperse, bitter herbs dry, cold herbs clear, and sweet herbs harmonize. (6) The addition of Rou Gui: Uses its pungent heat as a counteracting agent. From “Shan Bu”: Uses Dang Gui and Bai Shao to regulate blood. Uses Mu Xiang and Bing Lang to regulate Qi. When blood is harmonized, pus and blood in the stool can be eliminated. When Qi is regulated, the feeling of urgency in defecation will stop. Huang Qin and Huang Lian dry dampness and clear heat, and Gan Cao tonifies the middle and harmonizes the herbs.

 【Functions】

Clears heat and resolves toxins, regulates Qi and harmonizes blood.

 【Indications】

Damp-heat dysentery, stool with pus and blood, abdominal pain, alternating red and white discharge, urgency and tenesmus, burning sensation at the anus, short and red urine, greasy and slightly yellow tongue coating. “Yi Fang” states: Dysentery with thick and sticky pus and blood, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. “Shan Bu” states: Dysentery with red and white discharge, stool with pus and blood, tenesmus, and painful urgency.

 【Indications】

Bacterial dysentery, amebic dysentery, allergic enteritis, acute enteritis, etc.

 【Contraindications】

(1) This formula is not suitable for the early stage of dysentery with exterior symptoms. (2) It is not suitable for chronic dysentery or cold-deficiency dysentery.

 【Mnemonic】

(1) “San Huang Xie Xin Tang” + Sister-in-law Gu returns home to drink the expensive champagne (Shao Gui Gui Xiang Bing Gan Cao). (2) Qin Xiang Lian argues loudly, Sister-in-law Gu returns home as a VIP (Qin Xiang Lian Da Chao, Shao Gui Gui Bing) #

 【Modifications】

From “Yi Fang”: If dysentery does not improve, add Da Huang.

 【Pharmacological Actions】

Has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other effects.