[Source]

Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang

 [Composition]

Mu Xiang, Chuan Huang Lian
(2)

 [Classification]

<Regulating Qi>: Mu Xiang

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Chuan Huang Lian

[Formula Actions]

“Yifang”: This is a formula for the Hand and Foot Yang Ming channels. Dysentery is caused by irregular eating and drinking, damage from cold and heat, and the steaming and accumulation of damp-heat. (1) Huang Lian: Bitter, dries dampness, overcomes heat with cold, directly subdues the fire of the Heart and Spleen, thus it is the sovereign. (2) Use of Wu Zhu Yu, stir-fried with it: This is to remove the Qi stagnation in the Large Intestine, and also to counteract the extreme cold nature. (3) Urgency of defecation is due to Qi stagnation. Mu Xiang is acrid and disperses Qi, harmonizes the Spleen, can unblock the three Jiao, and descend the Lung Qi to pacify the Liver, preventing the Wood element from overcoming the Spleen earth. When Qi flows, stagnation is removed. One is cold, one is hot, one is Yin, one is Yang; they have the wonderful effect of mutual assistance. As the classic states, “heat is used with cold.”

 [Functions]

Clears heat and dries dampness, astringes the intestines and stops diarrhea, regulates Qi and resolves stagnation.

 [Indications]

Damp-heat dysentery, red and white stools, tenesmus with discharge of pus and blood, abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgency of defecation, and tenesmus. “Yifang”: Treats dysentery with red and white stools, pus and blood mixed, urgency, and tenesmus.

 [Syndromes]

Acute bacterial dysentery, simple indigestion, enteritis, typhoid fever, etc.

 [Mnemonic]

Formula name.

 [Modifications]

“Yifang”: (1) Dysentery with inability to eat: Add Shi Lian Rou. (2) Dysentery with accumulated stagnation and heat: Double the dose of Da Huang.

 [Pharmacology]

Has antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects.