【Source】

From the “Synopsis of the Golden Chamber” Vol. I.

 【Composition】

Ephedra, White Peony Root, Asarum, Dried Ginger, Licorice Root, Cinnamon Twig, Pinellia Tuber, Schisandra Fruit, Gypsum Fibrosum
(9)

 【Classification】

<Blood Tonic>: White Peony Root

<Spleen and Middle Qi Tonic>: Licorice Root

<Acrid and Warm Exterior Releasing>: Ephedra, Cinnamon Twig

<Warm Interior>: Asarum, Dried Ginger

<Phlegm Resolving>: Pinellia Tuber

<Astringent>: Schisandra Fruit

<Heat Clearing and Fire Purging>: Gypsum Fibrosum

【Analysis】

Quoted from Li Wen in “Essentials of the Golden Mirror”: For water accumulation in the epigastrium, Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig induce sweating to expel water externally. Pinellia Tuber, Dried Ginger, and Asarum warm the center to disperse water internally. White Peony Root and Schisandra Fruit regulate rebellious Qi to pacify the Liver. Licorice Root tonifies the Spleen Qi to control water. Adding Gypsum Fibrosum to clear vexation and agitation, and it also helps release the exterior and induce sweating. In the “Commentary on the Treatise on Cold Damage,” it states that for vexation and agitation due to cold syndrome and wind pulse, Qinglong Decoction is indicated, thus this formula also addresses Xiao Qinglong patterns. However, when there is obstruction, Qi will inevitably become hot, hence Gypsum Fibrosum is added. “Golden Chamber Essentials Critical Explanation” states: For symptoms of external pathogens and internal accumulation accompanied by vexation and agitation, there is a concomitant heat pathogen. In Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig formulas, Gypsum Fibrosum must be used, as in Da Qinglong Decoction. For cold fluid accumulation in the epigastrium, only warm herbs can open and remove it. Therefore, Yuebi Jia Banxia Decoction is not used, but Xiao Qinglong Jia Shi Gao Decoction is employed. Warmth and cold act together, eliminating both water and heat, which is a very precise therapeutic strategy. “Supplement and Revision” states: Adding Gypsum Fibrosum to Xiao Qinglong Decoction is for cases with vexation and agitation. Although sweating and dispersing cold fluids are indicated, one must guard against exacerbating heat and damaging fluids. Gypsum Fibrosum clears heat and, with its acrid heat, can also resolve phlegm. Pinellia Tuber resolves phlegm and, with its acrid coolness, can also clear heat.

 【Functions】

Release the exterior and resolve fluids, stop cough and asthma, induce sweating and promote water circulation, disperse cold, warm the Lungs.

 【Indications】

External cold with internal fluid accumulation, accompanied by signs of heat. Symptoms include chest fullness, cough with upward gas, vexation, asthma, floating pulse, and water in the epigastrium. Pain in the hypochondrium radiating to the clavicle, with the person often leaning forward. Used for Xiao Qinglong Tang patterns with vexation and agitation.

 【Applicable Symptoms】

Acute bronchitis.

 【Mnemonic】

Formula name.