【Sources】

“Collected Prescriptions by Zhu” (1266 AD), “Complete Book of Jingyue” (1624 AD). Chen Pi used as Ju Hong.

 【Composition】

Bing Lang, Chen Pi, Mu Gua, Wu Zhu Yu, Zi Su Ye, Jie Geng, Sheng Jiang
(7)

 【Category】

<Regulating Qi>: Chen Pi

<Releasing the Exterior with Warming and Acrid Herbs>: Zi Su Ye, Sheng Jiang

<Warming the Interior>: Wu Zhu Yu

<Expelling Wind and Dampness>: Mu Gua

<Resolving Phlegm>: Jie Geng

<Expelling Parasites>: Bing Lang

【Formula Analysis】

According to “Study of Formulae”: In this formula, Bing Lang is the chief herb, heavy in nature, directing Qi downward, and expelling dampness. The deputy herbs include Mu Gua, which relaxes tendons and activates collaterals, and can also resolve dampness; Chen Pi, which strengthens the spleen and dries dampness, and can further regulate Qi. The assistant herbs are Zi Su Ye and Jie Geng, which directly communicate Qi, outwardly disperse pathogenic factors, and inwardly open up stagnation. Wu Zhu Yu and Sheng Jiang warm and resolve cold dampness, descend rebellious Qi, and stop vomiting. All herbs combine to expel dampness and transform grease, open and disperse pathogenic factors, warm and disperse cold dampness, and move Qi to open blockages. However, the primary action is to promote circulation and opening, making it suitable for “foot qi” that is predominantly cold.

 【Functions】

Regulate Qi and descend turbidity, promote circulation and resolve cold dampness.

 【Indications】

Foot pain, rheumatic joint pain, swelling of tendons and muscles in the feet.

 【Contraindications】

(1) Use with caution in pregnant women. (2) Bing Lang in the formula can easily consume vital Qi, so it should not be taken for a long time. (3) Not suitable for dry foot qi or damp-heat foot qi.

 【Mnemonic】

Jiangsu has no melon, Chen Lang is urgent (Ginger, Perilla, Wu Zhu Yu, Mu Gua, Chen Pi, Bing Lang, Jie Geng).

 【Modifications】

(1) If rheumatism is severe, add Qiang Huo and Fang Feng to expel wind and promote dampness. (2) If cold dampness is severe, add Rou Gui and Fu Zi to warm meridians, disperse cold, and expel dampness. (3) If cold dampness “foot qi” causes upward rushing sensation, accompanied by palpitations, chest oppression, coldness, nausea, and faint pulse, remove Zi Su Ye, Chen Pi, and Jie Geng (which ascend and disperse). Add Chen Xiang, Rou Gui, Fu Zi, and Ban Xia to rapidly purge damp turbidity and descend rebellious Qi.