[Source]

Shang Han Lun

 [Composition]

Rhubarb, Licorice, Mirabilite
(3)

 [Classification]

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice

<Purgatives>: Mirabilite, Rhubarb

[Analysis]

“Yi Fang”: This is a formula for the Foot Taiyang and Yangming meridians. (1) Rhubarb: Bitter and cold, clears heat and dispels excess. (2) Mirabilite: Salty and cold, moistens dryness and softens hardness. (3) These two substances descend rapidly, hence the use of Licorice, which is sweet and neutral, to moderate their action and prevent damage to the stomach, thus it is called Tiao Wei Cheng Qi. (4) The removal of Zhi Shi and Hou Po is because their action is not desired to affect the Qi of the upper jiao. “Han Dian”: Composed of Rhubarb, Mirabilite, and Licorice. It can also be seen as a prescription where Zhi Shi and Hou Po in Da Cheng Qi Tang are replaced by Licorice. Although Licorice does not have the effect of Zhi Shi and Hou Po in treating abdominal distension, it can adjust the actions of Rhubarb and Mirabilite, and functions to exert its effects gradually.

 [Functions]

Promotes bowel movement and softens hardness, harmonizes the stomach and clears heat, moderates downward expulsion of heat-induced stagnation.

 [Indications]

Yangming disease with dryness-heat in the stomach and intestines, moderating the downward expulsion of heat-induced stagnation. Constipation, thirst with vexation, steaming sensation of heat, or abdominal distension, or delirium, or mouth and tongue sores, sore throat, swollen gums, bad breath, yellow tongue coating, and slippery, rapid pulse. “Yi Fang”: (1) Treats Shanghan Yangming syndrome with aversion to heat instead of cold, thirst, constipation, delirium, abdominal fullness, and middle jiao dry stagnation (Shanghan, Yangming Chapter). (2) Also treats abdominal fullness after vomiting in Shanghan (Shanghan, Yangming Chapter). (3) Treats Yangming disease with vexation without vomiting or diarrhea (Shanghan, Yangming Chapter). (4) Also treats thirst with excessive appetite and urination (Miscellaneous diseases, thirst-quenching).

 [Indications]

Constipation during various febrile diseases, habitual constipation, constipation in the elderly, food poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, undigested food, biliary tract diseases, hemorrhoids.

 [Contraindications]

Pregnant women, postpartum women, during menstruation, the elderly and weak, those with deficiency of body fluids after illness, and those who have lost blood should use it with caution. If necessary, use both purgative and tonic methods, start with small doses, and stop as soon as effective, do not overdose.

 [Mnemonic]

Tiao Wei – Everyone is busy arguing about changing seats (Da Mang Cao).

 [Pharmacology]

Mainly has antibacterial effects. In vitro antibacterial tests have confirmed that the original and concentrated solutions of Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang have certain antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus. Rhubarb and Mirabilite have purgative effects, and Licorice has detoxification effects. It is a mild purgative and has the effect of regulating gastrointestinal function.