【Source】

《Chong Lou Yu Yao》 Vol. 1.

 【Composition】

Raw Rehmannia, Ophiopogon, Raw Licorice, Scrophularia, Fritillaria, Moutan Bark, Mint, White Peony Root
(8)

<Nourishing Yin>: Ophiopogon

<Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood>: Raw Rehmannia, Moutan Bark

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Raw Licorice

<Releasing Exterior with Pungent-Cool Herbs>: Mint

<Resolving Phlegm>: Fritillaria

<Clearing Heat and Purging Fire>: Scrophularia

【Formula Analysis】

From “Lectures on the Study of TCM Formulas”: The Ophiopogon, Scrophularia, Raw Rehmannia, and Moutan Bark in this formula nourish Yin, clear heat, cool blood, and resolve toxins; raw Licorice clears fire and resolves toxins; Fritillaria moistens the lungs and resolves phlegm; Mint disseminates the Lungs to expel pathogens. Together, they have the effect of nourishing Yin and clearing the Lungs. From “Study of Formulas”: This formula is a common prescription for treating diphtheria. Diphtheria is often caused by underlying Yin deficiency with internal heat, combined with epidemic toxins. The treatment should focus on nourishing Yin and clearing the Lungs, while also dispelling epidemic toxins. The formula uses Raw Rehmannia to nourish Kidney Yin; Ophiopogon to nourish Lung Yin; Scrophularia to clear deficient fire and resolve toxins; Moutan Bark to cool blood and reduce swelling; Fritillaria to moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm; White Peony Root to astringe Yin and vent heat; a small amount of Mint is added to disperse pathogens and benefit the throat; Licorice harmonizes the herbs and resolves toxins. The entire formula nourishes the Lungs and Kidneys, reduces swelling, benefits the throat, and slightly disperses external pathogens, thus it is effective for Yang-deficient diphtheria.

 【Actions】

Nourishes Yin and clears the Lungs, cools blood and resolves toxins, benefits the throat.

 【Indications】

Diphtheria, early stage fever, dry nose and lips, dry and painful throat, dry cough without phlegm, constipation, red urine, etc.

 【Applications】

Diphtheria, tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, oral ulcers, etc.

 【Contraindications】

If there is internal heat and fever, external medicine is not necessary; take the formula as prescribed, and the fever will resolve on its own.

 【Mnemonic】

Mai Xian Di, Dan He Sao Chao Gan Bei (Mai Xuan Di, Dan He Shao Cao Gan Bei).

 【Modifications】

(1) If in the early stage with external symptoms, add Mulberry Leaf and Kudzu Root to clear and disseminate. (2) If heat toxins are severe, add Forsythia, Honeysuckle Flower, and Achyranthes to clear heat and resolve toxins. (3) If dryness is severe, add Asparagus Tuber and Dendrobium to nourish Yin and moisten dryness. (4) If deficiency and Yin deficiency are severe, add prepared Rehmannia to nourish Yin and tonify the Kidneys.

 【Pharmacology】

Has detoxification (or reduced toxicity) and neutralizing effects on diphtheria toxin, and inhibitory and bactericidal effects on diphtheria bacilli. It has antibacterial, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, sedative, expectorant, antitussive, and antipyretic effects.