[Source]

From “Jisheng Fang”, Volume 3.

 [Composition]

(Fried) Citrus Fruit Seed, Sargassum, Kelp, (fried) Peach Kernel, Seaweed, (fried) Sichuan Pepper Seed Nucleus, (Ginger) Magnolia Bark, Akebia Stem, (fried) Immature Bitter Orange, (fried) Corydalis Rhizome, Cinnamon Bark, Costus Root
(12)

 [Classification Group]

<Regulating Qi>: Citrus Fruit Seed, Sichuan Pepper Seed Nucleus, Immature Bitter Orange, Costus Root

<Warming the Interior>: Cinnamon Bark

<Aromatically Drying Dampness>: Magnolia Bark

<Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis>: Peach Kernel, Corydalis Rhizome

<Promoting Urination and Draining Dampness>: Akebia Stem

<Dissolving Phlegm and Softening Hardness>: Sargassum, Seaweed, Kelp

[Prescription Analysis]

From “Yifang”: This formula targets the Liver channel. (1) Hernia is caused by cold-dampness or blood stagnation. Although it affects the Kidneys, the root of the problem lies in the Liver. (2) Citrus Fruit Seed and Costus Root can enter the Qi level of the Liver channel and regulate Qi. (3) Peach Kernel and Corydalis Rhizome can enter the Blood level of the Liver channel and invigorate blood. (4) Cinnamon Bark can calm the Liver and nourish the Kidneys, strengthening the Kidney-Fire to dispel cold. (5) Sichuan Pepper Seed Nucleus and Akebia Stem can guide heat from the Small Intestine and Bladder downwards through urination, thus dispelling dampness. (6) Magnolia Bark and Immature Bitter Orange can both move stagnant water and break up old blood. (7) Kelp, Sargassum, and Seaweed are salty and moisten the lower body, softening hardness. They are cold and can move water to drain heat, and together they are used to reduce swelling and dissipate hardness.

 [Functions]

Regulate Qi and break stagnation, dissipate hardness and resolve masses, relieve pain.

 [Indications]

Cold-damp hernia, testicular swelling, whether one side is larger or smaller, or hard as stone, or radiating pain to the umbilicus and abdomen, severe cases may lead to scrotal swelling, or sores and pus, mild cases may have occasional yellow watery discharge, severe cases may develop boils and ulcerate. “Yifang” states: Treats four types of hernia (scrotal swelling and hardness, painless and itch-free, is called “tui shan”, also with radiating pain to the umbilicus and abdomen. Intestinal hernia, testicular hernia, water hernia, Qi hernia, all are caused by cold-dampness).

 [Clinical Applications]

Hernia, orchitis, painful nodules at the site of vasectomy, testicular tumors.

 [Mnemonic]

Regulating Qi and moving Qi: Sichuan Pepper Seed, Costus Root, Immature Bitter Orange, Citrus Fruit Seed. Invigorating Blood: Corydalis, Peach Kernel. Dissipating Masses: Kelp, Seaweed, Sargassum. Drying Dampness and Warming Interior: Magnolia Bark, Akebia Stem, Cinnamon Bark. → Wanting to escape the shackles of a self-made prison (Costus Root, Peach Kernel, Immature Bitter Orange, Citrus Fruit Seed, Sichuan Pepper Seed, Corydalis), but being tied up like a salmon by Sargassum, returning is not smooth (Cinnamon Bark, Sargassum, Seaweed, Kelp, Cinnamon Bark, Magnolia Bark, Akebia Stem).

 [Modifications]

From “Yifang”: Add or subtract ingredients according to the seasons and the presence of cold or heat. If there is heat, add Gardenia Fruit. If hard, add Glauber’s salt. In autumn and winter, add Goji Berry and Evodia Fruit. (1) If stasis pain is severe, add Sparganium and Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizome to dispel stasis and relieve pain. (2) If cold pain is severe, add Fennel Seed and Evodia Fruit to enhance dispelling cold and relieving pain. (3) If cold-dampness transforms into heat, and the scrotum is red, swollen, damp, and itchy, remove Cinnamon Bark and add Amur Cork Tree Bark, Poria Cocos, and Plantain Seed to clear damp-heat. (4) If there is severe deficiency-cold, add prepared Aconite root to dispel cold.