Prescriptions for Mediating Shaoyang Channel
Chaihu Dayuan Yin: Classic TCM Formula
Name
Chaihu Dayuan Yin (Bupleurum Decoction for Eliminating Phlegm-Dampness in the Pleurodiaphragmatic Interspace)
Source
Chong Ding Tong Su Shang Han Lun
Ingredients
- Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 5 g
- Zhi Qiao (Fructus Aurantii) 5 g
- Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) 5 g
- Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride) 5 g
- Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 2 g
- Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 5 g
- Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi) 3 g
- Cao Guo (Fructus Tsaoko) 2 g
- Bing Lang (Semen Arecae) 6 g
- He Ye Geng (Petiolus Nelumbinis) 12 g
Explanation
- Chai Hu is the principal drug: bitter and acrid in flavor and slightly cold in nature, driving out pathogenic factors that have lodged in the half-exterior and half-interior.
- Huang Qin is the principal drug: it purges stagnated heat.
- Zhi Qiao and Jie Geng move the qi of the upper jiao, the former raising it and the latter directing it downward.
- Hou Po and Cao Guo are acrid in flavor and harsh in nature: they eliminate turbidity, dry dampness, resolve phlegm and regulate the qi of the middle jiao.
- Qing Pi and Bing Lang direct qi downward to relieve stagnation, remove phlegm and retained food, and promote the flow of qi in the lower jiao.
- He Ye Geng is good at promoting the flow of qi and relieving a choking sensation in the chest.
- Zhi Gan Cao invigorates qi, regulates the Stomach and tempers the actions of all the other ingredients.
Nature and action
Dries dampness and resolves phlegm, eliminating pathogenic factors from the pleurodiaphragmatic interspace.
Indications
A syndrome due to phlegm-dampness stagnating in the pleurodiaphragmatic interspace, marked by fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, restlessness, a burning sensation in the heart, dizziness, a greasy taste in the mouth, and difficulty bringing up phlegm; alternating attacks of chills and fever like those of malaria, occurring every other day; a thick, rough tongue coating; and a taut, slippery pulse.
Also indicated for diseases presenting these symptoms, such as malaria and infection of the biliary system.
Dose
Decocted in water and taken by mouth in two divided doses.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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