Prescriptions for Checking the Upward Adverse Flow of Qi
Zhi Shi Xie Bai Gui Zhi Tang (枳实薤白桂枝汤)
Name
Decoction of Immature Bitter Orange, Macrostem Onion and Cinnamon Twigs
The Prescription of 枳实薤白桂枝汤
Source
The book Jin Gui Yao Lue
Ingredients
Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) 12g,Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) 12 g,Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis) 12 g,Xie Bai (Bulbus Allii Macrostemi) 9 g,Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 6 g.Explanation
Zhi Shi: Inducing downward flow of Qi to disperse stagnation of Qi, relieving fullness and distention.
Xie Bai: Being pungent in taste and warm in nature, promoting the circulation of Yang-Qi, relieving stuffiness in the chest and dissolving masses.
Gui Zhi: Reinforcing Yang-Qi and promoting its circulation to dispel pathogenic cold, keeping upward adverse flow of Qi going downward.
Gua Lou: Removing phlegm and dissolving masses.
Hou Po: Promoting the downward flow of Qi to relieve fullness.
The Effect of 枳实薤白桂枝汤
Effect
Promoting the circulation of Yang-Qi and resolving masses, removing phlegm and inducing Qi to flow downward.
Indications
Syndrome due to obstruction of Qi in the chest, marked by choking pain in the chest which even refers to the back, dyspnea, cough, shortness of breath, whitish greasy tongue coating, and deep taut or tense pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, intercostal neuralgia and costal chondritis.
Administrations
Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
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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