[Source]

Collected Insights on the Golden Chamber

 [Composition]

Cinnamon Twig, Peony Root, (Honey-fried) Licorice Root, Ephedra Herb, Raw Ginger, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Siler Root, (Pao) Aconite Root
(9)

 [Category Grouping]

<Blood Tonifying>: Peony Root

<Spleen and Middle Qi Tonifying>: Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, Licorice Root

<Exterior Releasing with Pungent Warmth>: Cinnamon Twig, Siler Root, Ephedra Herb, Raw Ginger

<Interior Warming>: Aconite Root

<Heat Clearing and Fire Purging>: Anemarrhena Rhizome

[Formula Explanation]

“Essentials of the Golden Chamber with Two Commentaries”: Cinnamon Twig treats wind, Ephedra Herb treats cold, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome treats dampness, Siler Root assists Cinnamon Twig, Aconite Root assists Ephedra Herb and Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome. Peony Root, Raw Ginger, and Licorice Root also harmonize the Ying and Wei Qi, similar to <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/桂枝湯/’>Cinnamon Twig Decoction. Anemarrhena Rhizome treats leg swelling, guiding other herbs to expel pathogens and tonify Qi and strength. Aconite Root facilitates the action of the herbs and is a major formula for opening obstruction. However, with large amounts of ingredients and little water, it is likely divided into doses rather than a single administration. “Shen’s Commentary on the Golden Chamber”: This formula is for chronic obstruction. It indicates a deficiency of the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Kidneys, and obstruction affecting all three Yin meridians of the leg, both internally and externally. Therefore, it is difficult to attribute the treatment to a single organ. Hence, Cinnamon Twig, Peony Root, Licorice Root, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome are used to harmonize the Ying and Wei Qi and replenish the original Qi of the five Zang organs. Ephedra Herb, Siler Root, and Raw Ginger open the pores, promote circulation, remove obstruction, and expel wind. Anemarrhena Rhizome protects the Lungs and clears the Metal element to ensure proper regulation. The text states that wind, cold, and dampness combine to cause obstruction. Aconite Root is used as an assistant to promote Yang, dry dampness, and remove cold. “Golden Chamber Essentials Handbook”: Cinnamon Twig, Ephedra Herb, and Siler Root disperse dampness from the exterior. Peony Root, Anemarrhena Rhizome, and Licorice Root clear heat from the interior. Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome and Aconite Root expel dampness from below. Raw Ginger is used in the largest quantity to stop vomiting and counteract adverse Qi. This is a treatment method for exterior damp-heat affecting the limbs and joints, which then ascends to the heart and stomach.

 [Functions]

Dispel wind and eliminate dampness, warm the meridians and relieve pain.

 [Indications]

(1) Pain in limbs and joints, emaciation, leg swelling as if falling off, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, red tongue deviated to one side with white coating, and a slippery and rapid pulse. (2) Swelling and pain due to wind-toxin, aversion to cold with fever, thirst, and rapid pulse; when pustules are about to form pus but cannot fully mature, or when scab formation is delayed.

 [Applications]

Rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, joint pain, sciatica, lower back and leg pain, lower limb movement disorders, and paralysis of sensation.

 [Mnemonic]

Formula name + <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/麻黃附子甘草湯/’>Ephedra Herb, Aconite Root, Licorice Root Decoction + Fang Jiang Shu (Siler Root, Ginger, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome)