【Source】

Cited from “Sleeve Pocket” Vol. 3, quoting “Sheng Hui”.

 【Composition】

Rhubarb, Cattail Pollen, Spurge, Genkwa Flower, Green Tangerine Peel, Areca Seed, Aged Tangerine Peel, Aucklandia Root, Cowherb Seed, Cinnabar
(10)

 【Classification】

<Regulating Qi>: Aged Tangerine Peel, Green Tangerine Peel, Aucklandia Root

<Purging and Draining>: Rhubarb

<Expelling Parasites>: Areca Seed

<Aggressively Draining Water and Reducing Swelling>: Cowherb Seed, Spurge, Genkwa Flower, Cattail Pollen

<External Use and Others>: Cinnabar

【Prescription Meaning】

From “Yi Fang”: A formula for the Greater Yang channel. (1) Cowherb Seed, Rhubarb, Spurge, Genkwa Flower, Cattail Pollen: These are all potent agents for moving water and can facilitate the circulation of water in the twelve channels. (2) Swelling is related to the Spleen, and distention is related to the Liver. The stagnation of water is due to the Spleen’s failure to transport. The Spleen’s failure to transport is due to the Liver’s excessive strength, which insults the Spleen, causing it to be unable to control water, leading to overflow. (3) Green Tangerine Peel, Aucklandia Root: These soothe the Liver, drain the Lung, and strengthen the Spleen. Together with Aged Tangerine Peel, they are all agents for guiding Qi and drying dampness, allowing Qi to flow, thus water flows, and swelling subsides as the Spleen functions. (4) Cinnabar: It enters all orifices and can eliminate accumulated phlegm. Therefore, it is added in small amounts. However, it should not be used lightly in cases without excess. From “Cheng Fang Bian Du”: This formula uses Cowherb Seed to purge the Qi level, Rhubarb to purge the Blood level, and cooperates with Spurge, Cattail Pollen, and Genkwa Flower, three potent agents for purging water, acting on both water and land. Then, Green Tangerine Peel, Aged Tangerine Peel, and Aucklandia Root are used to regulate and harmonize all Qi, acting as precursors. Cinnabar, which enters all orifices, is added to assist. Therefore, it can break down hardness and move stagnant water, deserving the name “Boat and Cart”.

 【Functions】

To move Qi and break stagnation, expel water and reduce swelling, and facilitate urination and defecation.

 【Efficacy】

Internal accumulation of dampness, phlegm, heat, and toxins, leading to masses and swelling, constipation of urine and feces, tidal fever, thirst, wheezing cough with facial redness, and a deep, forceful pulse. From “Yi Fang”: Treats water edema and water distention with solid body and excess Qi.

 【Indications】

Parasitic accumulation causing amenorrhea.

 【Contraindications】

Use with caution in cases of Qi deficiency; in severe cases, avoid salt and soy sauce for one hundred days; do not use with Licorice; pregnant women should not take it.

 【Mnemonic】

Boat and cart are tired — Big Cowherd sleeps in the chicken garden, fragrant chrysanthemum lightly (Big Cowherd, Cowherb, Spurge, Genkwa, Green Tangerine, Aucklandia, Green Tangerine, Lightly)#

 【Modifications】

(1) If difficulty in urination is more severe, add Akebia Stem, Poria Cocos skin, Polyporus Umbellatus to enhance the diuretic effect.