Prescriptions for Relieving Exterior Syndrome to Remove Pathogenic Heat in the Interior
Shigao Tang
Name
Gypsum Decoction
The Prescription of Shigao Tang
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 Shigao Tang
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.
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.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →