[Source]

Quoted from Sang Jun Fang in Volume 5 of “Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang” ( Zeng Zhu Jia Ming Fang by Wu Zhi Ge).

 [Composition]

Melia toosendan (Chuan Lian Zi), Fenugreek, Costus Root, Aconite Root, Nutmeg, Psoralea Fruit, Agarwood, Fennel, Actinolite, Cinnamon Bark, Black Cinnabar, Sulfur
(12)

 [Classification]

<Regulating Qi>: Melia toosendan, Agarwood, Costus Root

<Warming the Interior>: Cinnamon Bark, Fennel, Aconite Root

<Tonifying and Aiding Yang>: Fenugreek, Psoralea Fruit, Actinolite

<Astringent>: Nutmeg

<External Use and Others>: Black Cinnabar, Sulfur

[Efficacy Analysis]

From “Cheng Fang Bian Du”: To tonify the fire of true yang, one must first protect true yin. Therefore, both sulfur and black lead can enter the kidney, one tonifying fire and the other tonifying water. Roasting them together symbolizes the union of water and fire, and the mutual root of yin and yang. Subsequently, a series of herbs that tonify the kidney and strengthen yang, warm the lower jiao and expel cold-dampness, will restore true yang to its origin, and the yin fluid will not be harmed. Coldness leads to qi stagnation, hence Costus Root is used to regulate it. Deficiency leads to qi leakage, hence Nutmeg is used to secure it. Melia toosendan is used because the liver and kidney both reside in the lower jiao, and the liver harbors internal fire. Even though coldness is dominant below, there is a concern that the internal fire of the liver may not be completely extinguished. Therefore, this formula is also very suitable for treating cold-induced ailments.

 [Functions]

To raise and lower yin and yang, tonify deficiency and benefit yuan qi, dispel phlegm and relieve asthma.

 [Indications]

Kidney yang deficiency, with excess above and deficiency below, leading to phlegm accumulation and wheezing, and cold pain in the chest and abdomen.

 [Syndromes]

Asthma, external use for sores and ulcers, etc.

 [Mnemonics]

Tonifying Yang, Warming Interior, Regulating Qi: Lu Qi Zhi, Gui Fu Xiang, Lian Mu Shen → Gui Fu Xiang, Lian Shen Mu, Zhi Qi Lu → A wealthy woman wants to pick Agarwood and old paper to light a stove.<…>: Hei Liu Kou → Blackhearted bandits.

 [Modifications]

(1) For critical emergency cases of critical yang collapse due to deficiency, it should be taken with Ginseng Decoction to benefit qi and save yang from collapse.

 [Pharmacology]

Cough suppression and phlegm dispelling, sedation, analgesia, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, promotion of immunity, etc.