【Source】

Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secrets of the Orchid Room)

 【Composition】

Raw Bitter Orange, Coptis Chinensis, Magnolia Bark, Processed Pinellia Tuber, Malt Sprout, Ginseng, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Poria Cocos, Honey-fried Licorice, Dried Ginger

 【Category】

<Regulating Qi>: Raw Bitter Orange

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice, Atractylodes Macrocephala

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Coptis Chinensis

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng

<Warming the Interior>: Dried Ginger

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Water Elimination>: Poria Cocos

<Aromatizing and Dampness Resolving>: Magnolia Bark

<Resolving Phlegm>: Processed Pinellia Tuber

<Digestive Aid>: Malt Sprout

【Analysis of the Formula】

According to Yi Fang: This formula addresses the Tai Yin and Yang Ming channels of the Foot. (1) Raw Bitter Orange: Bitter and sour, it moves Qi and breaks blood stasis. (2) Coptis Chinensis: Bitter and cold, it purges heat, opens stagnation, and is the chief herb for resolving distension. (3) Magnolia Bark: Bitter and descending, it disperses dampness and fullness and aids digestion, strengthening the intestines. (4) Malt Sprout: Salty and warm, it assists stomach Qi and softens hardness and breaks up masses. (5) Processed Pinellia Tuber: Dries phlegm-dampness and harmonizes the stomach. (6) Dried Ginger: Removes stagnant blood and opens the orifices. (7) Ginseng, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Poria Cocos, Licorice: Sweet and warm, they tonify the spleen, ensuring sufficient Qi for spleen transportation, thus resolving distension. They assist the dispersing and purging actions, and also consolidate the root to prevent damage to vital Qi.

 【Functions】

Resolves distension and eliminates fullness, tonifies the spleen and harmonizes the stomach.

 【Indications】

虚痞 (Xu Pi – Spleen deficiency with epigastric fullness and discomfort), loss of appetite, fatigue, and a wiry pulse on the right Guan position. According to Yi Fang: Epigastric fullness due to spleen deficiency, poor appetite, laziness, and a wiry pulse on the right Guan position.

 【Mnemonic】

Li Zhong Tang + <Tonifying Spleen, Clearing Heat, Resolving Dampness, Regulating Qi, Digesting Food, Resolving Phlegm>: Linglian is not just sold in summer (Ling Lian Po Zhi Mai Xia – Poria, Coptis, Magnolia Bark, Bitter Orange, Malt Sprout, Pinellia Tuber).

 【Modifications】

(1) For mild spleen deficiency, omit Ginseng and Poria Cocos. For severe spleen deficiency, increase Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala to tonify Qi and strengthen the spleen. (2) For significant damp-heat, add Coptis Chinensis to enhance the clearing of damp-heat. (3) For symptoms of acid regurgitation and belching after food (significant food stagnation), add Hawthorn and Radish Seed to aid digestion. (4) For distension and pain, add Aucklandia Root to move stagnant Qi and relieve pain. (5) For predominantly cold patterns, reduce the dosage of Coptis Chinensis, increase Dried Ginger, or add Galangal or Cinnamon Bark to warm the middle and dispel cold. (6) For severe bloating, judiciously add Aucklandia Root and Dried Tangerine Peel to move Qi and relieve bloating.