Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature
Gua Lou Gui Zhi Tang (栝楼桂枝汤)
Name
The Prescription of 栝楼桂枝汤
Ingredients
Gua Lou Gen 6 g,Gui Zhi 9 g,Shao Yao 9 g,Gan Cao 6 g,Sheng Jiang 9 g,Da Zao 12 dates.Explanation
Gui Zhi: The principal drug, being pungent and sweet in flavor and warm in nature, expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin by means of diaphoresis, warming the channels to dispel pathogenic cold.
Bai Shao: Replenishing Yin and astringing Ying, uniting Gui Zhi to take a role in regulating Ying and Wei.
Sheng Jiang: Being pungent in flavor and warm in nature, assisting Gui Zhi in expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, warming the stomach to prevent vomiting.
Da Zao: Being sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, supplementing Qi and strengthening the middle-Jiao, nourishing the spleen, promoting the production of body fluids.
Zhi Gan Cao: Supplementing Qi and regulating the stomach, together with Gui Zhi aiding in expelling the pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin, together with Shao Yao replenishing Yin, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.
Gua Lou Gen: Clearing heat and purging fire, generating body fluids and relieving thirst, moistening dryness and resolving phlegm.
The Effect of 栝楼桂枝汤
Effect
Expel pathogenic factors from muscles and skin by means of diaphoresis, promote the secretion of body fluid and relax the tendons.
Administrations
Decoct in water for oral dose to be taken three times a day.
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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