Dahuang Mudan Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Name

Dahuang Mudan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction)

Source

The book Jin Gui Yao Lue

Ingredients

• Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 18 g
• Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan) 9 g
• Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 12 g
• Dong Gua Zi (Semen Benincasae) 30 g
• Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 9 g

Explanation

• Da Huang is one of the two principal drugs. It purges accumulated heat from the intestines and clears away heat and toxic material.
• Dan Pi is the other principal drug. Bitter and pungent in flavor and cold in nature, it clears away heat from the blood.
• Mang Xiao softens masses and disperses stagnancy, and assists Da Huang in purging heat from the intestines.
• Tao Ren is drastic in moving blood. It helps Mu Dan Pi and Da Huang to promote blood circulation, disperse blood stasis and induce bowel movement.
• Dong Gua Zi clears away damp-heat, expels pus, resolves masses and relieves carbuncle.

Nature and action

It clears heat and removes blood stasis, and it resolves masses and subdues swelling.

Indications

Early-stage periappendicular abscess caused by accumulation of damp-heat, marked by pain and tenderness in the right lower abdomen, with palpable masses in severe cases, scanty urine, intermittent fever, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, and a crooked right foot that cannot be extended, together with a slippery, rapid pulse. It is also applied in diseases that carry these signs and symptoms, such as acute appendicitis, adnexitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and infection following tubal ligation.

Dose

Decoct in water and take the decoction at a draught.