Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature
Da Qiang Huo Tang (大羌活汤)
Name
The Prescription of 大羌活汤
Source
The book of Wei Sheng Bao Jian
Ingredients
Qiang Huo 3 g,Sheng Ma 3 g,Du Huo 2.1 g,Cang Zhu 1.5 g,Fang Feng 1.5 g,Wei Ling Xian 1.5 g,Bai Zhu 1.5 g,Dang Gui 1.5 g,Fu Ling 1.5 g,Ze Xie 1.5 g.Explanation
Qiang Huo: The principal drug, being pungent and bitter in flavor and warm in nature, going up to disperse wind-cold-dampness pathogens in the exterior.
Du Huo: Removing wind-dampness in the lower of the body, working together with Qiang Huo to expel wind-dampness throughout the body and the joints so as to treat arthralgia.
Sheng Ma: Expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, promoting eruption, removing toxic substances.
Fang Feng and Cang Zhu: Inducing diaphoresis to remove dampness and assisting Qiang Huo in relieving exterior syndrome.
Bai Zhu, Fu Ling: Promoting water metabolism and strengthening the spleen.
Dang Gui: Nourishing Yin and blood.
Ze Xie: Induce diuresis and drain dampness.
The Effect of 大羌活汤
Indications
Pain of the limbs, inhibited bending and stretching, poor appetite, immediate vomiting of ingested food, distention and fullness, sallow complexion, collapsing and slow pulse.
Administrations
Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
Contraindication
Avoid wine, hard food, raw or cold food during treatment.
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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