[Source]

Collected Studies on the Golden Chamber

 [Composition]

Rhubarb, Scutellaria baicalensis, Licorice, Peach Kernel, Apricot Kernel, White Peony Root, Raw Rehmannia, Moth, Horsefly, Leech, Grub, Zhe Chong
(12)

 [Classification]

<Nourish Blood>: White Peony Root

<Clear Heat and Cool Blood>: Raw Rehmannia

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice

<Clear Heat and Dry Dampness>: Scutellaria baicalensis

<Purgative>: Rhubarb

<Invigorate Blood and Remove Stasis>: Leech, Moth, Peach Kernel, Zhe Chong, Horsefly

<Settle the Spirit>: Grub

<Stop Cough and Relieve Asthma>: Apricot Kernel

[Analysis of the Formula]

According to the “Shan Bu” (Supplement to the Essentials): The Nei Jing states that blood nourishes, hence Rehmannia is the sovereign. That which is hard is scraped away, hence Rhubarb is the minister. The spleen governs blood; the spleen desires to be relaxed and regulated, so sweetness is used to regulate it. Furthermore, sour and bitter substances cause flushing and evacuation, which are yin. Therefore, Licorice, White Peony Root, and Peach Kernel are used as assistants. Salt enters blood, and bitterness overcomes blood, hence the bitterness of Moth and the saltiness of the four insects are used as envoys. If turbid yin does not descend, then clear yang does not ascend; if stagnant blood does not leave, then new blood does not generate. Nowadays, when people encounter a deficiency condition, they immediately use yin-nourishing herbs. They take them and they are ineffective, and they wait for death. How can this be right?

 [Functions]

Remove blood stasis and generate new blood.

 [Indications]

Consumption and emaciation, abdominal distension with inability to eat or drink, internal accumulation of dry blood, skin with a “jia cuo” (scaly or rough) appearance, dark circles under the eyes. “Shan Bu”: Treats the five consumptions and seven injuries, with internal dry blood, skin with a “jia cuo” appearance, and dark circles under the eyes.

 [Mnemonics]

(1) Didi Tang (Leech, Horsefly, Rhubarb, Peach Kernel) + …. (2) Willing to work hard to excite and sweep the ground (Licorice, Scutellaria, Apricot Kernel, Rhubarb, White Peony, Rehmannia) + sweep away the fleeing leeches, horseflies, grubs, and Zhe Chongs (Peach Kernel, Leech, Horsefly, Grub, Zhe Chong, Moth).