【Source】

From “Dispute of Internal and External Injuries”, Volume Zhong.

 【Composition】

Magnolia Bark, Fresh Ginger, Jujube, Licorice, Grass Cardamom, Poria (Red), Tangerine Peel, Dried Ginger, Costus Root
(1)

 【Categorization】

<Regulating Qi>: Tangerine Peel, Costus Root

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Jujube, Licorice

<Dispersing Exterior with Acrid Warmth>: Fresh Ginger

<Warming the Interior>: Dried Ginger

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Water Elimination>: Poria

<Aromatizing and Transforming Dampness>: Grass Cardamom, Magnolia Bark

【Formula Rationale】

From “Collection of Formulas Explained”: Cold evils injure the human body as formless evils. If there is no co-结 of tangible phlegm, blood, or food stagnation, it will only manifest as distention and fullness, or vomiting. Even pain will not reach the point of resisting palpation. Therefore, Magnolia Bark, which warms the middle and disperses fullness, is used as the monarch. When a person’s Qi is affected by cold, it congeals and its movement slows. Thus, the aromatic and potent Costus Root and Grass Cardamom enter the Spleen to move all Qi. The Spleen dislikes dampness, so Dried Ginger and Tangerine Peel are used to dry it, and Poria is used to excrete it. The Spleen desires gentleness, so Licorice is used to moderate it. Fresh Ginger is added for its effect of warming the middle, dispersing rebellious Qi, and stopping vomiting. The aforementioned herbs all enter the Spleen and Stomach. They not only warm the middle but also disperse the exterior. Their use depends on appropriate application.

 【Functions】

Warms the middle and resolves distention.

 【Indications】

Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold, abdominal distention and fullness, and cold invading the stomach in autumn and winter, causing intermittent pain. Spleen and Stomach cold stagnation with food retention.

 【Mnemonic】

Empress Dowager Chen subdues the Wood Pirates (Tangerine Peel, Magnolia Bark, Poria, Costus Root, Grass Cardamom) + three assistants Licorice, Dried Ginger, and Jujube + Fresh and Dried Ginger.

 【Modifications】

(1) For severe pain, add Cinnamon Bark and Galangal to warm the middle and disperse cold.
(2) For concurrent Liver Qi stagnation with chest and rib distention and discomfort, add Curcuma and Cyperus to regulate Qi and soothe the Liver.
(3) For concurrent blood stasis, add Corydalis, Frankincense, and Myrrh to invigorate blood and resolve stasis.
(4) For abdominal cramps and pain, add White Peony Root to relieve spasms and stop pain.