[Source]

From Volume 2 of “A Compilation of Treatises on Warm Diseases.”

 [Composition]

Xuan Shen (Scrophularia ningpoensis), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), Xi Di Sheng Di (Rehmannia glutinosa var. purpurea)
(3)

 [Classification Group]

<Tonifying Yin, Nourishing Yin>: Mai Dong

<Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood>: Xi Di Sheng Di

<Clearing Heat and Purging Fire>: Xuan Shen

[Analysis of the Formula]

According to “A Compilation of Treatises on Warm Diseases”: For warm diseases with no bowel movement, characterized by a pattern of half deficiency and half excess due to Yin deficiency and fluid depletion. The formula uses Xuan Shen as the monarch herb, which is bitter, salty, and slightly cold. It strengthens the Water element to control Fire, opens the two orifices (bowels), and promotes the upward flow of kidney water to the heavens. Mai Dong is used as the deputy herb to treat accumulations in the heart and abdomen; it can tonify, moisten, and unblock. Sheng Di is also effective for heat and accumulation, and expels blood stagnation. The refined (Xi) variety is chosen for its ability to tonify without being cloying, and it also penetrates the collaterals. Used together, these three herbs can achieve the effect of increasing fluids to facilitate passage, like water enabling a boat to sail.

 [Functions]

Nourishes Yin and clears heat, increases fluids, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements.

 [Indications]

Yangming warm disease, where heat damages Yin and consumes bodily fluids, manifesting as constipation, thirst, dry red tongue, and a fine, slightly rapid or deep but weak pulse.

 [Applicable Symptoms]

Constipation, stomatitis, periodontitis, epistaxis, gum bleeding, diabetes, Japanese encephalitis, morning sickness during pregnancy.

 [Contraindications]

(1) This formula excessively increases fluids and is insufficient for strong purging. It is designed for cases of mild dryness and constipation due to fluid deficiency. It is not suitable for constipation caused by real heat accumulation in the Yangming channel. (2) It is also not suitable for severe dry constipation due to extreme fluid deficiency.

 [Mnemonic]

Mai Xuan Di (Mai Dong, Xuan Shen, Di Huang) sell their wise younger brother (Mai Xuan Di) to increase their own profits (Zeng Ye, Zeng Yi – Zeng Ye Tang, meaning increasing fluids).

 [Modifications]

(1) If fluid damage and heat accumulation are severe, add a small amount of Tiaowei Chengqi Tang to gently harmonize. (2) For Yin deficiency toothache, add Niu Xi (Achyranthes bidentata), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Feng Fang (Vespae Nidus), and Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia) to cool blood, purge fire, and detoxify. (3) If accompanied by Yin deficiency of the Lung and Stomach, manifesting as a smooth red tongue and dry lips, add Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum), Sha Shen (Glehnia littoralis), and Shi Hu (Dendrobium candidum) to clear and nourish the Lung and Stomach.

 [Pharmacology]

It has effects such as enhancing immunity, improving the body’s adaptability, anti-inflammation, reducing vascular permeability, and increasing tolerance to hypoxia.