【Source】

《Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage)》

 【Composition】

Inula Flower (Xuanfuhua), Ginseng (Renshen), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang), Hematite (Daizheshi), Licorice Root (Gancao), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Jujube (Dazao)
(7)

 【Classification Group】

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root (Gancao), Jujube (Dazao)

<Tonify Qi>: Ginseng (Renshen)

<Acrid-Warm to Release the Exterior>: Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang)

<Resolve Phlegm>: Inula Flower (Xuanfuhua), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia)

<Calm Liver and Extinguish Wind>: Three Assistants (Licorice, Ginger, Jujube), Hematite (Daizheshi)

【Formula Interpretation】

《Shan Bu》: In this formula, Ginseng and Licorice Root nourish the righteous qi and tonify deficiency, while Ginger and Jujube harmonize the Spleen and nourish the Stomach, thereby stabilizing the Middle Jiao. Furthermore, the heavy nature of Hematite causes it to converge floating qi and subdue rebellious qi, and the acrid nature of Inula Flower is used to disperse qi and resolve dampness/phlegm. It assists Ginseng in guiding qi downwards and assists Pinellia Tuber in expelling dampness/phlegm upwards. Turbid qi descends, epigastric hardness resolves, clear qi ascends, and belching naturally ceases. Observing Zhongjing’s treatment of Shaoyin water qi forcefully ascending, he used Zhenwu Tang to subdue it; to treat lower jiao prolapse and incontinence, he used Red Halloysite (Chishizhi) and Limestone (Yuyuliang) to consolidate it. Here, when stomach deficiency leads to disordered qi ascent and descent, this method is again employed to regulate it, transforming obstruction in the chest into peace. Such is the profound subtlety of this method of returning to the origin and consolidating the lower jiao. 《Han Dian》: This formula is composed of Inula Flower, Jujube, Hematite, Licorice Root, Ginseng, and Fresh Ginger. Inula Flower has a stomach-strengthening effect, and when combined with Hematite, it also treats belching, tonifies blood, stops bleeding, and has an astringent effect. Ginseng has stomach-strengthening, invigorating, and moistening effects. Pinellia Tuber combined with Fresh Ginger can treat vomiting. Additionally, it is assisted by Jujube and Licorice Root, which have invigorating and harmonizing effects, and regulate the functions of all the other herbs.

 【Functions】

Supports Righteous Qi and Benefits the Stomach, Descends Rebellious Qi and Resolves Phlegm, Stops Hiccups and Vomiting.

 【Indications】

Stomach Qi deficiency and weakness, internal obstruction of phlegm-dampness, epigastric fullness and hardness/distension, acid regurgitation, rebellious qi failing to descend, no pain upon pressure, persistent belching, belching and regurgitation/vomiting. 《Shan Bu》: After diaphoresis, emesis, or purgation, there is epigastric hardness and persistent belching.

 【Applications】

Gastritis, hyperacidity, hypoacidity, gastric hypotonia/atony, gastric ulcer, gastric dilation with dizziness, etc.

 【Mnemonic】

Formula Name + Three Assistants, Xia Ren (a phonetic mnemonic for Banxia and Renshen).

 【Modifications】

(1) If stomach qi is not deficient, remove Ginseng and Jujube, but increase the dosage of Hematite to enhance its heavy settling and descending rebellious qi effect. (2) If phlegm is abundant, add Poria (Fuling) and Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) to resolve phlegm. (3) If stomach cold is severe, add Clove (Dingxiang) and Evodia Fruit (Wuzhuyu) to warm the stomach and descend rebellious qi.

 【Pharmacology】

It has effects such as relaxing gastrointestinal smooth muscle, reducing gastric acid secretion, antitussive, expectorant, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory.