Peach Kernel Qi-Guiding Decoction

Peach Kernel Qi-Guiding Decoction

Persicae Semen (Tao Ren) 50 pieces (12g), Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Da Huang) 4 liang (12g), Cinnamomi Ramulus (Gui Zhi) 2 liang (6g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g), Natrii Sulfas (Mang Xiao) 2 liang (6g)

Decoct the first four medicinals with water. Take the decoction after mixing in the mang xiao.

Breaks up blood and expels stasis through purgation.

Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is indicated for patterns of blood amassment in the lower jiao. The symptoms are distension and spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, normal urination, fever at night, menstrual block due to blood stasis, and painful menstruation; there may even be delirium, dysphoria, and mania. The pulse will be deep and excessive or choppy.

This formula is used to treat blood retention in the lower jiao caused by an unresolved taiyang pattern that travels along the taiyang channel and enters the taiyang fu-organ, which then transforms into heat and finally binds with blood. The binding of stasis and heat in the lower jiao leads to distension and spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen. The location of this disease is in the blood level instead of the qi level, which therefore bears no effect on the bladder qi transformation leaving the urination normal while there is fever during night. The heart governs the blood vessels and stores the spirit, which is disturbed by rising heat caused by stasis. As a result, there may be vexation, agitation, delirium, dysphoria, and mania. This is a pattern of binding stasis and heat. Therefore, the therapeutic principle is to break up and expel blood stasis through purgation in order to eliminate the blood retention from the lower jiao.

1. Essential pattern differentiation Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is commonly used to treat blood amassment in the lower jiao due to binding of blood stasis and heat. This clinical pattern is marked by distension and spasmodic pain in lower abdomen, normal urination, deep, excessive or choppy pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula may be used in the following biomedically defined disorders, when the patient shows signs of binding of stasis and heat in the lower jiao: acute pelvic inflammatory disease, retained placenta, annex inflammation, intestinal obstruction, and endometriosis. 3. Cautions and contraindications If the patient has an unresolved exterior syndrome, first release the exterior pattern and thereafter use this formula to eliminate stasis. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is not applicable for pregnant women because of its drastic effect in breaking up blood and expelling stasis through purgation.

1. Xia Yu Xue Tang (Blood Stasis Decoction 下瘀血湯)