Inula and Hematite Decoction

Inula and Hematite Decoction

Inulae Flos (Xuan Fu Hua) 3 liang (9g), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 2 liang (6g), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Sheng Jiang) 5 liang (15g), Haematitum (Dai Zhe Shi) 1 liang (6g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 3 liang (9g), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 5 sheng (9g), Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao) 4 pieces

Decoct the medicinals in 1 dou water down to 6 sheng, strain the residues and boil, once again, down to 2 sheng. Take 1 sheng, warm (ed), 3 times a day. (Modern use: Prepare it as a decoction.)

Directs counterflow downward, dissolves phlegm, boosts qi, and harmonizes the stomach.

Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang is indicated for weak stomach qi with internal obstruction of phlegm-turbidity. The symptoms are pi below the heart, belching, or vomiting with saliva. The tongue is pale with a white, glossy coating. The pulse is wiry and weak.

This pattern is the result of unresolved wind-cold constrained within taiyang that has transformed into heat. It then transmits to yangming, spreads further to shaoyang, and eventually affects all three yang channels. Aversion to cold, absence of sweat, and headache are due to unresolved wind-cold constrained in the taiyang. The pathogen, after penetrating into the interior, heats up and attacks the yangming and shaoyang. It causes eye pain, nose dryness, orbit pain, dry throat, and impaired hearing. These symptoms are related to how the two channels transverse: Yangming originates from both sides of the nose, goes up to the root of nose, passes through the orbits, and travels down. Shaoyang winds its way behind the ears, enters, comes out in front of them, passes through the cheeks and reaches the infra-orbital area. In addition, the superficial and slightly surging pulse is evidence of the exterior pathogen and excessive interior heat. The appropriate treatment is to release the flesh with acrid-cool medicinals and clear interior heat.

1. Essential pattern differentiation Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang is commonly indicated for the pattern characterized by middle jiao deficiency, phlegm blockage, and qi counterflow. This clinical pattern is marked by pi below the heart, belching, vomiting, hiccups, white, glossy coating, wiry, weak pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula may be used in the following biomedically defined disorders, when the patient shows signs of a middle jiao deficiency with phlegm blockage and qi counterflow pattern: gastric neurosis, gastric dilatation, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter incomplete obstruction, neurological hiccups, and diaphragm spasms. 3. Cautions and contraindications Dai zhe shi has a cold nature and tends to descend. Its heavy property can block the stomach. Small dosage should be applied for patients who have stomach deficiency.

Ginseng ( Panax ginseng ) is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II. Its trade is allowed but subject to licensing controls.