Shi Gao Tang (石膏汤): Classic TCM Formula

Name

Gypsum Decoction

The Prescription of 石膏汤

Source

The book Wai Tai Mi Yao

Ingredients

Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 30 g,Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 6 g,Huang Bo (Cortex Phellodendri) 6 g,Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 6 g,Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Preparatum) 9 g,Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae) 9 g,Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 9 g.

Explanation

Shi Gao: The principal drug, being pungent and sweet in flavor and very cold in nature, removing heat and restlessness.

Ma Huang and Dou Chi: Removing the pathogenic factors in the exterior through the superficies of the body.

Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Huang Bo and Zhi Zi: Purging fire and removing toxic materials, expelling fire in the tri-Jiao from the interior.

The Effect of 石膏汤

Effect

Removing heat and toxic materials, relieving exterior syndrome through diaphoresis.

Indications

Syndrome of intense heat due to febrile disease in the interior complicated by unrelieved exterior syndrome, marked by high fever, no sweat, heavy and strain sensation of the body, dry nose, thirst, restlessness, insomnia, coma, delirium, or skin eruption, and slippery rapid pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as hematosepsis, cholecystitis, pelvic inflammation, pancreatitis and appendicitis.

Administrations

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken 3 times.