【Source】

Comprehensive Prescriptions from the Tai Ping Era (太平聖惠方)

 【Composition】

Corydalis, Yan Hu Suo
(2)

 【Classification】

<Regulating Qi>: Corydalis

<Invigorating Blood and Removing Stasis>: Yan Hu Suo

【Prescription Analysis】

According to “Annotations on Ancient Prescriptions”: Jin Ling Zi San, clears heat from the Qi aspect and removes stagnation from the Blood aspect. Lei Gong’s Treatise on the Preparation of Drugs states: for excruciating heart pain, quickly seek Yan Hu. Jie Gu further used Jin Ling Zi to treat heart pain due to heat excess. The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon states: all pain belongs to the Heart, and heat excess belongs to Liver disharmony. Jin Ling Zi not only disperses the Liver but also specifically guides out heat from the Small Intestine and Bladder, leading the Heart-pericardium fire downward. Yan Hu Suo harmonizes all types of pain in the upper and lower body. Shi Zhen stated: when used appropriately, it is incredibly effective. Although the prescription is small, its combination is divine, possessing the power to heal promptly. Do not neglect it because of its simplicity.

 【Functions】

Soothes the Liver and clears heat, regulates Qi, and stops pain.

 【Indications】

Pain in the epigastrium and hypochondria due to Liver Qi stagnation and transformation into fire, hernia pain, and abdominal pain during menstruation in women.

 【Syndromes】

Gastric pain, peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis; intercostal neuralgia, hernia pain.

 【Contraindications】

Pregnant women with gastric pain should avoid it. Other conditions such as gallstones, liver vein diseases, and gastric ulcer perforation are not indications for this formula.

 【Mnemonic】

Today’s delay (Jīn Yán).

 【Modifications】

(1) For menstrual pain due to Liver Qi stagnation, add Dang Gui, Yi Mu Cao, and Xiang Fu to enhance the action of regulating Qi and invigorating Blood. (2) For hernia pain, add Ju He, Li Zhi He, etc., to strengthen the action of regulating Qi and stopping pain.