【Source】

Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet

 【Composition】

Ephedra (Ma Huang), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao), Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Chinese Date (Da Zao), Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Bai Zhu)
(6)

 【Categorization】

<Tonify Spleen and Qi>: Chinese Date (Da Zao), Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Bai Zhu), Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

<Pungent-Warm Exterior-Releasing>: Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Ephedra (Ma Huang)

<Clear Heat and Purge Fire>: Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao)

【Formula Explanation】

Compound Formula: Within this formula, Ephedra (Ma Huang) expels wind-damp pathogens, Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) clears internal stagnant heat, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Bai Zhu) promotes diuresis and resolves dampness in the muscles, Ginger and Jujube harmonize the Ying and Wei Qi, and Licorice Root (Gan Cao) boosts Qi and strengthens the Spleen. The six herbs combined address both exterior and interior conditions, dispelling exterior wind-pathogens, clearing internal stagnant heat, and resolving damp-pathogens from the muscles and exterior.

 【Functions】

Dispel wind, induce sweating, promote diuresis, release the exterior, and reduce swelling.

 【Indications】

Internal water retention (Lishui), generalized yellow swelling of the face and body, sunken pulse, difficult urination (oliguria), extreme internal heat, open pores, profuse sweating, severe wind-qi (rheumatic conditions), weakness of the lower limbs, edema, and reduced urine output.

 【Clinical Applications】

Nephritis, early-stage edema associated with renal sclerosis, etc., edema due to beriberi, rheumatoid arthritis, weakness of the legs, subcutaneous abscess, jaundice, acute conjunctivitis, eczema.

 【Mnemonic】

A Vietnamese maid (Yuè Nán Bì Nǚ, sounding like Yue Bi) asked, “Why are you making it stiff (Gàn Má Gǎo Jiāng Zhǎo) to find Atractylodes (Bái Zhú)?” This mnemonic helps remember the ingredients: Gan (Licorice), Ma (Ephedra), Gao (Gypsum), Jiang (Ginger), Zao (Jujube), and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes).