[Source]

The Treatise on Internal and External Injuries, Vol. Under.

 [Composition]

Rhubarb, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Massa Fermentata, Poria, Scutellariae Radix, Coptis Chinensis, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Alisma Orientalis
(8)

 [Category]

<Regulating Qi>: Aurantii Fructus Immaturus

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Atractylodes Macrocephala

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Coptis Chinensis, Scutellariae Radix

<Purgative>: Rhubarb

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Urination>: Poria

<Promoting Urination and Draining Dampness>: Alisma Orientalis

<Aiding Digestion>: Massa Fermentata

[Formula Interpretation]

From “Medical Formulas”: This formula uses herbs for the Foot Tai Yin and Yang Ming channels. When food is damaged and causes stagnation, leading to pain and accumulation, it cannot be resolved without a means to push it through; if the accumulation is not cleared, the illness will not be cured. (1) Therefore, Rhubarb and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus are used: to attack and purge, which stops pain and diarrhea, as the classic text states: “When there is obstruction, use that which opens.” (2) If the injury is due to damp-heat, Scutellariae Radix and Coptis Chinensis are added to clear the heat. (3) Poria and Alisma Orientalis are added to promote urination and drain dampness. (4) If the accumulation is due to alcohol and food, Massa Fermentata, which is a steamed and fermented substance, aids in breaking down food and resolving alcohol, and because it is of the same category, it warms and dissolves the accumulation. (5) Scutellariae Radix, Coptis Chinensis, and Rhubarb are too bitter and cold, which may harm the Stomach. Therefore, Atractylodes Macrocephala, which is sweet and warm, is added to tonify the Earth and secure the Middle Jiao.

 [Functions]

Clears heat and disperses dampness, resolves accumulation and promotes bowel movement.

 [Indications]

Chest fullness and abdominal pain caused by damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, indigestion, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea due to accumulation, or dysentery with pus and blood, tenesmus. “Medical Formulas”: Treats accumulation from damp-heat that cannot be metabolized, leading to fullness, discomfort, abdominal hardness, and stagnant diarrhea.

 [Indications]

Indigestion, paralytic ileus, bacillary dysentery, acute and chronic gastroenteritis, chronic gastritis, trigeminal neuralgia, etc.

 [Mnemonic]

Just playing backwards – Da Fu Xie Qing Lian Zhu Shi # (大腹瀉，青年逐去食) (Rhubarb, Poria, Alisma, Scutellaria, Coptis, Lian, Atractylodes, Massa Fermentata, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus)

 [Modifications]

(1) If there is qi stagnation causing distension or tenesmus, remove Atractylodes Macrocephala which can cause blockage, and add Aucklandiae Radix and Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium to move qi and relieve pain. (2) If food accumulation is severe and causes belching of rotten food and acid reflux, add stir-fried Hordei Germen and Raphani Semen to aid in resolving accumulation. (3) If distension is severe but accumulation is mild, add Arecae Semen and remove Rhubarb to move stagnant accumulation.

 [Pharmacology]

It aids digestion, regulates gastrointestinal function, promotes bile secretion, and has antibacterial effects.