【Source】

Essential Key Points from the Golden Chamber

 【Composition】

Magnolia Bark, Licorice Root, Rhubarb, Jujube Fruit, Immature Bitter Orange, Cinnamon Twig, Fresh Ginger
(7)

 【Category】

<Regulating Qi>: Immature Bitter Orange

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Burner>: Licorice Root, Jujube Fruit

<Purging and Draining>: Rhubarb

<Releasing the Exterior with Acrid and Warm Properties>: Cinnamon Twig, Fresh Ginger

<Aromatizing and Draining Dampness>: Magnolia Bark

【Formula Rationale】

“Shen Zhu Jin Gui Yao Lue”: This formula is for abdominal fullness with exterior symptoms. A fever lasting for ten days, with a still floating and rapid pulse, indicates pathogenic wind in the exterior. However, wind energy connects internally with the Liver. When the Liver is strong and overpowers the Stomach, it manifests as fever externally and abdominal fullness internally. Wind can consume food, leading to an appetite as usual despite the condition, hence the term “wind-stroke” (though not a stroke in the Western sense). “Xiao Cheng Qi Tang” is used to clear the heat from the intestines. Cinnamon Twig, Licorice Root, Ginger, and Jujube Date harmonize the Ying and Wei energies and release the pathogenic wind from the exterior. “Zhang Shi Yi Tong”: This formula is essentially “Xiao Cheng Qi Tang” combined with “Gui Zhi Tang” (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), with the omission of White Peony Root’s astringent property to prevent the pathogenic factors from entering the Ying and Blood. Although both formulas use Cinnamon Twig and Licorice Root, they are distinct in their applications. Magnolia Bark is used in a significantly larger quantity in this formula to descend the turbid and rebellious Qi.

 【Actions】

Release the exterior and relieve muscle layer, regulate Qi and facilitate bowel movement.

 【Indications】

Fever lasting for ten days, exterior symptoms of external contraction have not yet subsided, but interior accumulation of hardness has already formed. Symptoms include abdominal fullness, fever, a floating and rapid pulse, and constipation.

 【Mnemonic】

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang + <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang + three assisting herbs of Licorice and Ginger Dates.

 【Modifications】

(1) For vomiting, add Pinellia Tuber 5 qian. (2) For diarrhea, remove Rhubarb. (3) If there is significant cold, increase Fresh Ginger to half a jin.