[Source]

From “Revised Vernacular Treatise on Shang Han”, Vol. 2.

 [Composition]

Bupleurum, Platycodon, Ginger Pinellia, Coptis, Scutellaria, Aurantium, Trichosanthes seed, Fresh Ginger juice
(8)

 [Classification Group]

<Regulating Qi>: Aurantium

<Expelling Evil with Acrid and Cool Herbs>: Bupleurum

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Coptis, Scutellaria

<Expelling Evil with Acrid and Warm Herbs>: Fresh Ginger

<Resolving Phlegm>: Trichosanthes, Pinellia

[Formula Meaning]

The Shao Yang stage is evident, hence the use of Bupleurum and Scutellaria to harmonize and resolve. Chest oppression and pain, which worsen with palpation, indicate phlegm-heat accumulating in the lower part of the chest. Therefore, Coptis is used for its bitter purging effect, Pinellia for its acrid dispersion, and Trichosanthes, Aurantium, and Platycodon are used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, widen the chest, and dissipate stagnation. Trichosanthes is excellent for clearing residual filth from the chest. Both clearing and venting methods are employed, along with bitter descending and acrid ascending actions. This is a method of harmonizing, combined with opening and descending, and it is the silver pill for Shao Yang knotting in the chest.

 [Functions]

Clears heat and resolves phlegm, widens the chest and dissipates stagnation, harmonizes and resolves Shao Yang.

 [Indications]

Shao Yang disease with minor chest knotting syndrome, presenting with alternating chills and fever, Shao Yang symptoms, chest and rib fullness, nausea and loss of appetite, or cough and loss of appetite, pain on palpation, bitter taste in the mouth, yellow tongue coating, and a wiry, rapid pulse.

 [Contraindications]

Chronic cholecystitis, acute bronchitis.

 [Mnemonic]

柴胡湯/’>Xiao Chai Hu Tang + Xiao Xian Xiong Tang – Ginseng, Jujube, Licorice. Xiao Chai Hu clears chest stagnation by removing ginseng, jujube, and licorice, and adding platycodon and aurantium.