【Source】

Cui’s Formula, Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber. Explanation: The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber, in the ‘Stroke’ section, quotes: “Cui’s Eight-Flavor Pill treats beriberi.” Some modern formula books write Cui’s Formula, Collection of Medical Formulas, but this is not clearly stated.

 【Ingredients】

Prepared Rehmannia, Dried Yam, Asiatic Cornelian Cherry, White Poria, Moutan Bark, Alisma, Cinnamon Bark, Aconite (Processed)
(8)

 【Category】

<Blood Tonifying>: Prepared Rehmannia

<Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood>: Moutan Bark

<Tonifying Spleen and Benefiting the Center>: Yam

<Warming the Interior>: Aconite (Processed), Cinnamon Bark

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Diuresis>: Poria

<Astringing and Securing>: Asiatic Cornelian Cherry

<Promoting Diuresis and Draining Dampness>: Alisma

【Formula Meaning】

Shan Bu: Prepared Rehmannia, Yam, Alisma, Moutan Bark, Poria, and Asiatic Cornelian Cherry are all moistening substances, so they can strengthen the water element. Cinnamon Bark and Aconite are acrid and moistening, and can supplement fire within water, so they can benefit the source of fire. When water and fire are nourished, kidney Qi will be restored. Han Dian: The Rehmannia, Asiatic Cornelian Cherry, and Shuyu (Yam) in this formula have the effect of strengthening, invigorating essence, and moistening; Poria has the effect of strengthening, calming, and diuresis; Alisma has the effect of diuresis and quenching thirst; Moutan Bark has the effect of dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain; In addition, the Cinnamon twig and Aconite, which can encourage the decline of various functions, are combined with other drugs.

 【Functions】

Warms and tonifies deficiency of the fire of the Gate of Life (Ming Men), strengthens the Spleen and Kidneys.

 【Indications】

(1) Deficiency of fire at the Gate of Life with Kidney deficiency, or difficult urination, or urinary retention, or frequent urination at night, or beriberi invading the abdomen, numbness in the lower abdomen, shortness of breath, vomiting, spontaneous sweating, deafness, and tinnitus. (2) Treats Spleen deficiency due to deficiency of fire at the Gate of Life, or loose stools, poor appetite and difficult digestion, or malarial exhaustion, or wandering phlegm or sores that do not resolve. (3) Treatment for kidney dysfunction. The term “kidney” here refers not only to the kidneys in modern medicine, but also includes the reproductive organs. This formula is used for fatigue and weakness of the lower body, polyuria, frequent urination, decreased urination, dysuria, and low back pain. Shan Bu: Deficiency of fire at the Gate of Life prevents the generation of earth, leading to cold deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach, poor appetite, loose stools, or deficiency and exhaustion of the lower source, lower abdominal pain, and frequent urination at night.

 【Indications】

Cystitis, prostatic hypertrophy, nephritis, nephrosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral hemorrhage, diabetes insipidus, lower back pain, sciatica, urinary retention or incontinence after childbirth or gynecological surgery, beriberi, leukorrhea, enuresis, cataracts, hearing loss, etc. It has a wide range of applications.

 【Mnemonic】

Six noble ladies (Liu Wei + Cinnamon Bark + Aconite), noble ladies are big = big eight flavors, Zhi Bai is small = small eight flavors.

 【Modifications】

Shan Bu: Cui’s Modified Eight-Flavor Pill replaces the acrid and hot Aconite with the sour and astringent Five Flavors (Wu Wei Zi), which is suitable for those with Kidney deficiency but without cold. The Qian Jin Fang adds salty and cold Yuan Shen (Scrophularia Root) outside the eight flavors to help Rehmannia nourish the Kidneys; adds sour and cold Shao Yao (White Peony Root) to help Moutan Bark nourish the Liver. In short, it adds cinnamon and a lock. It is more than enough to strengthen water, but may not be enough to benefit fire. The Ji Sheng Fang adds Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) and Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed) to treat edema, doubling Poria to assist Rehmannia, Yam, and Zhu Yu, and listing Ze, Dan, Che, Niu, etc., with modifications according to the syndrome, which is a good method. Yi Yin Shen Qi Wan (Benefit Yin Kidney Qi Pill) adds Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Wu Wei (Schisandra), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum) to the six flavors to treat dim vision, and the modification is even more wonderful. Han Dian: Adding Niu Xi and Che Qian Zi becomes Niu Che Shen Qi Wan (Achyranthes and Plantago Kidney Qi Pill), which is used for severe back pain and difficult urination. For excessive ministerial fire, remove Cinnamon and Aconite, and add Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron) 2 liang each, Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) and Chang Pu (Acorus) 2 liang each.