【Source】

《Synopsis of the Golden Chamber》

 【Composition】

Poria, Dried Ginger, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Licorice Root
(4)

 【Categorization】

<Strengthen Spleen and Supplement Middle Jiao>: Atractylodes Macrocephala, Licorice Root

<Warm the Interior>: Dried Ginger

<Strengthen Spleen and Promote Diuresis>: Poria

【Formula Principles】

《Medical Formulas》: Medicines for the Foot Shaoyin and Taiyang. (1) Dried Ginger: Pungent and hot to dry dampness. (2) Atractylodes Macrocephala: Bitter and warm to overcome dampness. (3) Poria: Sweet and bland to excrete dampness. (4) Licorice Root: Sweet and neutral to harmonize the middle and tonify the Earth element. (5) This is a Kidney disorder, yet all Spleen medicines are used; strengthening Earth is precisely how water is controlled.

 【Functions】

Warm the Spleen and dry dampness.

 【Indications】

Kidney *zhuo* disease caused by cold-dampness invading downwards, characterized by a heavy sensation in the body, cold pain below the waist, waist feeling as heavy as if carrying 5000 coins, but appetite is normal, no thirst, and smooth urination. 《Medical Formulas》: (1) Treats body heaviness due to damp injury, abdominal pain, cold waist with no thirst, smooth urination, and normal appetite. The disease pertains to the Lower Jiao (from 《Synopsis of the Golden Chamber》, on diseases of wind-cold accumulation in the five zang organs). (2) Xuanming uses it to treat bladder *bi* syndrome, hot pain in the bladder, hesitant urination, and clear nasal discharge upwards.

 【Clinical Applications】

Cold sensation in the waist, lower back pain, sciatica, nocturia, leukorrhea, enuresis.

 【Mnemonics】

(1)Shenzhuo Decoction – treats body heaviness due to damp injury, abdominal pain, cold waist → Dryness makes one stiff (Gan Ling Jiang Zhu – Licorice, Poria, Dried Ginger, Atractylodes Macrocephala). (2) Formula name from 《Synopsis of the Golden Chamber》.

 【Modifications】

《Medical Formulas》: For those with cold: add Aconite Root. (According to Jingxin Lu, add Cinnamon Bark, Alisma, Eucommia Bark, Achyranthes Bidentata Root, for similar conditions.)