[Source]

Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)

 [Composition]

Cinnamon Twig, Peony Root, Licorice Root, Fresh Ginger, Jujube Fruit
(1)

 [Classification Group]

<Blood Tonic>: Peony Root

<Spleen and Middle Qi Tonifying>: Licorice Root, Jujube Fruit

<Exterior Releasing (Acrid-Warm)>: Fresh Ginger, Three Assistants (Licorice, Ginger, Jujube), Cinnamon Twig

[Analysis of Formula]

From “Essentials of the Treatise on Cold Damage”: Cinnamon Twig is used to expel external pathogens, while Peony Root is used to pacify the interior yin that has been injured. According to the “Treatise on Cold Damage”, if the pulse is wiry and deficient, and there is abdominal cramping, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang should be administered. If it is not cured, then Xiao Chai Hu Tang should be given. This is also due to the pathogen sinking into the interior yin. Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang is also an urgent treatment for conditions related to Xiao Jian Zhong Tang. It does not use honey because the abdomen is full, and it is not advisable to increase fullness with sweetness. From “Selected Annotations of Ancient Formulas”: Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang employs the method of harmonizing yin and yang. Its brilliance lies in using a Tai Yang formula to treat Tai Yin disease. Abdominal fullness with intermittent pain indicates a deficiency of the Yin channel. Doubling the dosage of Peony Root to three liang, and assisting with Licorice Root, a combination of sour and sweet to complement each other, perfectly matches the chief herb for Tai Yin. Furthermore, the doubled dosage of Peony Root can also help Cinnamon Twig penetrate the yin aspect, uplift its yang, and expel the Tai Yang pathogen that has sunk into Tai Yin. The addition of ginger and jujube serves to harmonize the formula, ensuring that the Tai Yang yang pathogen does not stagnate in the Tai Yin.

 [Functions]

Harmonizes Ying and Wei, relieves spasm and stops pain, stops diarrhea.

 [Indications]

Tai Yang disease, but the patient was improperly purged, resulting in abdominal fullness with intermittent pain, which belongs to Tai Yin. Restlessness, floating and rapid pulse, absence of hardness and fullness; abdominal fullness, cold diarrhea, dysentery, or aversion to cold.

 [Mnemonic]

Formula name + Three Assistants (Licorice, Ginger, Jujube).