[Source]

Collection of Benevolent Formulas

 [Composition]

Magnolia Officinalis, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Chinese Quince, Korean Muehlenbergia, Tsangko Fruit seed, Areca Peel, Aconitum Carmichaeli, Poria Cocos, Dried Ginger, Licorice
(10)

 [Category Group]

<Regulating Qi>: Korean Muehlenbergia

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

<Warming the Interior>: Dried Ginger, Aconitum Carmichaeli

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Urination>: Poria Cocos

<Aromatically Transforming Dampness>: Tsangko Fruit seed, Magnolia Officinalis

<Expelling Wind-Dampness>: Chinese Quince

<Promoting Urination and Draining Dampness>: Areca Peel

[Formula Rationale]

Collection of Benevolent Formulas: Medicine of the Foot Tai Yin channel. (1) Spleen deficiency: therefore, it is tonified by Atractylodes Macrocephala, Poria Cocos, and Licorice. (2) Spleen cold: therefore, it is warmed by Ginger, Aconitum Carmichaeli, and Licorice. (3) Spleen dampness: therefore, it is drained by Areca Peel and Poria Cocos. (4) Spleen distention: therefore, it is regulated by Korean Muehlenbergia and Magnolia Officinalis. (5) The deficiency of Earth arises from the excess of Wood. Chinese Quince, sour and warm, can drain Wood within Earth, and also promote water circulation. Together with Korean Muehlenbergia, they are both agents for calming the Liver. When Wood does not overpower Earth, and the Liver is harmonious, then Earth can control Water, and the Spleen will be strengthened. The classic states: When dampness is abundant, the earth becomes muddy; draining water is precisely how to strengthen earth. Collection and Supplementation of Formulas: When the Spleen and Stomach are deficient, Earth cannot control Water, and Water improperly circulates in the superficial layer, causing heaviness and edema. Use Atractylodes Macrocephala, Licorice, Fresh Ginger, and Jujube to strengthen the deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. When the Spleen and Stomach are cold, the interior cold cannot transform water, and water stagnates in the intestines and stomach, leading to loss of appetite and thirst, and loose stools and urination. Use Ginger, Aconitum Carmichaeli, and Tsangko Fruit to warm the cold of the Spleen and Stomach. Further assisted by Areca Peel, Poria Cocos, Magnolia Officinalis, Korean Muehlenbergia, and Chinese Quince to promote water and regulate Qi. For Qi is the mother of Water, and Earth is protected by Water. When Qi flows, Water flows; when Earth is solid, Water is managed. Hence, it is named “Strengthening the Spleen.” However, this formula has an excess of power to promote water and regulate Qi. It is suitable for yin-water cold predominance where Qi is not deficient. If Qi is scarce and the voice is weak, then Lizhong Tang with several times the amount of Poria Cocos and added Aconitum Carmichaeli should be the sovereign, warming and tonifying the primordial Qi to circulate water, which is most appropriate. Poria, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, Shi Pi Yin, and Shen Qi Wan all treat symptoms of Yang deficiency and water Qi. Poria, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang treats upper burner Yang deficiency that cannot be transmitted and distributed, causing water to accumulate in the upper body, leading to fullness in the chest and epigastrium, and Qi rushing upwards. Therefore, Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes, and Licorice are used to support Yang and promote the flow of the water channels. Shi Pi Yin treats middle burner Yang deficiency that cannot steam and transform, causing water to seep into the interior, manifesting externally as edema, clear urination and defecation. Therefore, Ginger, Aconitum Carmichaeli, Poria Cocos, and Atractylodes are used to reinforce Earth and warm the middle, overcoming cold and dampness. Shen Qi Wan treats lower burner Yang deficiency that cannot circulate water, leading to difficulty in urination and limb edema, shortness of breath, abdominal distention. Therefore, Cinnamon, Aconitum Carmichaeli, Rehmannia, and Poria are used to warm and tonify, to circulate water.

 [Functions]

Warms Yang, strengthens the Spleen, regulates Qi, and promotes urination.

 [Indications]

Yin edema, worse below the waist, chest and abdominal distention, limb edema, heavy body, loss of appetite, cold hands and feet, no thirst, scanty urination, loose stools, pale tongue with greasy coating, deep, slow or deep and fine pulse. Collection of Benevolent Formulas: Limb edema, sallow complexion, short voice, no thirst, and clear urination and defecation. Collection and Supplementation of Formulas: Heavy body, loss of appetite, limb edema, no thirst, and loose stools and urination.

 [Syndromes]

Chronic nephritis, cardiac edema.

 [Mnemonic]

Ten maidservants (Shi Pi) — White Atractylodes, Quince, Areca Peel, Poria, Black Bean, Korean Muehlenbergia, Magnolia Officinalis (#)

 [Modifications]

(1) If urination is scanty and edema is severe, add Alisma Orientale and Brown Poria Cocos to enhance the effect of promoting urination. (2) If stools are loose, substitute Areca Nut for Areca Peel. (3) If stools are constipated, add Cyathula Officinalis to promote urination and defecation.