【Source】

《Shanghan Lun》

 【Composition】

(Processed)Gancao, Fuzi, Baizhu, Guizhi
(4)

 【Categories】

<Tonify Spleen and Replenish Middle Jiao>: Gancao, Baizhu

<Release Exterior with Pungent-Warm Herbs>: Guizhi

<Warm the Interior>: Fuzi

【Formula Principles】

《Neitai Fang Yi》: Fuzi is the sovereign herb, eliminating dampness and expelling wind, warming channels and dispersing cold; Guizhi is the minister herb, expelling wind and consolidating the defensive qi; Baizhu dispels dampness as the assistant herb; Gancao is the envoy herb, assisting all other herbs. It is a formula for dispersing wind and removing cold-dampness.《Yifang Kao》: The hot nature of Fuzi can dispel cold-dampness; the pungent nature of Guizhi can resolve wind-dampness; Gancao strengthens the Spleen, so dampness is not generated; Baizhu dries the Spleen, so dampness is controlled. This formula uses the pungent-hot nature of Guizhi and Fuzi to treat dampness, just like a swampy area, when exposed to strong sunlight, becomes dry within a morning. This is also a method for treating dampness.《Jingui Yuhan Jing Er Zhu》: Zhang Zhongjing was precisely concerned that if Fuzi is used in excess, its nature would be too fierce and urgent; the orifices of the joints might not open suddenly, and how could the wind-damp evil be expelled? It would merely cause excessive sweating without fully expelling the evil. The sovereign Gancao is desired for its moderating effect; its power to harmonize the middle is brief, but its ability to prolong the effects of the other herbs is long.《Gufang Xuanzhu》: GancaoFuzi Tang/’>Fuzi Tang/’>GancaoFuzi Tang/’>Fuzi Tang is a balanced formula addressing both exterior and interior conditions. When wind invades the exterior, dampness flows into the joints, and Yang deficiency leads to Yin excess, treatment should address both aspects. Baizhu and Fuzi address the interior and overcome dampness; Guizhi and Gancao address the exterior and transform wind. The reason Gancao alone crowns its name is that the disease deeply affects the joints, and its principle is to act slowly and gradually relieve the condition.

 【Functions】

Warm the muscles, tonify the middle Jiao, benefit essence and qi.

 【Indications】

Wind-dampness binding together, joint pain, inability to flex and extend, pain worsening on touch, sweating and shortness of breath, scanty urination, aversion to wind, or slight body swelling; dizziness and heavy sensation in the head due to wind deficiency, extreme bitterness in mouth and loss of taste.

 【Modern Applications】

Rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic heart disease.

 【Mnemonic】

Formula name + Nobles (Gui-Zhu).