【Source】
Formulas from the *Shang Han Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) and *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet)
【Ingredients】
Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark)
(3)
【Category】
<Regulating Qi>：Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)
<Downward Draining>：Da Huang (Rhubarb)
<Aromatically Transforming Dampness>：Hou Po (Magnolia Bark)
【Formula Analysis】
*Yi Fang* (Medical Formulas): This is a Shao Yang and Yang Ming formula. (1) If the pathogenic influence is in the upper jiao, there will be fullness; in the middle jiao, there will be distention; when the stomach is replete, there will be tidal fever; when the Yang pathogen attacks the heart, there will be mania; when stomach heat dries the lungs, there will be wheezing. (2) Therefore, Zhi Shi and Hou Po are used to alleviate fullness and distention in the upper jiao. (3) Da Huang (Rhubarb) is used to clear the repletion heat in the stomach. (4) This formula is for cases where the fullness, distention, dryness, and solidity are not yet fully developed, so Mirabilitum (芒硝) is removed to avoid damaging the true Yin of the lower jiao. *Shan Bu* (Supplemented and Revised): Ke Qin says: All diseases stem from Qi, and the failure to eliminate turbid substances is due to the dysfunction of Qi. Therefore, formulas that attack accumulation must use Qi-regulating herbs, hence the name Cheng Qi Tang (Qi-Bearing Decoction). The division into Major and Minor lies in two differences: Doubling Hou Po over Da Huang indicates that Qi-regulating herbs are the sovereign, hence it’s named Major Qi-Regulating Decoction; doubling Da Huang over Hou Po indicates that Qi-regulating herbs are the minister, hence it’s named Minor Qi-Regulating Decoction. A greater quantity of herbs signifies a stronger nature, thus the dosage is increased to induce a more significant downward draining, hence the name ‘Major.’ A smaller quantity of herbs signifies a gentler nature, thus the dosage is reduced to harmonize the stomach Qi, hence the name ‘Minor.’ Furthermore, the decocting method holds subtle significance. Major Qi-Regulating Decoction uses one dou of water to boil Zhi Shi and Hou Po, obtaining five sheng, then removing the dregs and adding Da Huang, re-boiling to obtain two sheng, and adding Mirabilitum. Why is this? Because the raw form is sharp and acts first, while the cooked form is pure and harmonizing. Zhong Jing intended for Mirabilitum to first soften the dry stool, then Da Huang to open the pathway, and only then Zhi Shi and Hou Po to alleviate fullness and distention. Whereas, Minor Qi-Regulating Decoction decocts all three ingredients together, without any specific order, using the same Da Huang but with a different decocting method. This reveals Zhong Jing’s intention for gentle harmonization.
【Functions】
Clears and drains heat accumulation, attacks accumulation and drains heat, promotes Qi circulation and reduces fullness, alleviates epigastric distention and eliminates fullness.
【Indications】
Yang Ming disease, mild Yang Ming fu-organ repletion syndrome with a predominance of fullness and distention. Symptoms include delirium with tidal fever, constipation, epigastric and abdominal fullness, etc. *Yi Fang* (Medical Formulas): (1) Shang Han Yang Ming syndrome, delirium, tidal fever, slippery and rapid pulse. (2) Miscellaneous diseases with upper jiao fullness and obstruction. (3) Pathogenic influence in the stomach, propping cough with abdominal fullness (Jin Gui Yao Lue, Phlegm-Fluid Retention). (4) In Tai Yang disease, after vomiting, downward draining, or sweating, slight irritability with frequent urination, and constipation (Shang Han Lun, Yang Ming Chapter).
【Applications】
Chronic gastritis, hepatitis, biliary diseases, habitual constipation. Stomach pain, hiccups, biliary ascariasis in children, acute gastroenteritis in children. Intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal dysfunction after surgery.
【Cautions】
Use with caution in pregnant women, postpartum women, during menstruation, in the elderly and debilitated, in those with depleted fluids after illness, and in those with blood loss. If necessary, use it with tonifying methods, try a small dose, and stop when effective. Do not overdose.
【Mnemonic】
When the melon is ripe for Da Huang (Rhubarb) (Da Shi Hou), don’t be stingy, please share it with everyone.
【Pharmacology】
Antibacterial, liver-protective, reduces vascular permeability, etc.