White Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction

金匱要略

When cold damage has lasted eight or nine days, wind-dampness contend, with generalized pain and agitation, inability to turn from side to side, no vomiting, no thirst, and a floating, weak, and choppy pulse, Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction governs. If the stool is hard (one text says hardness below the umbilicus and below the heart) and urination is free, the Decoction with Cinnamon Twig Removed and Atractylodes Added governs. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet)) -- Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction from Jin Xiao Fang: treats wind deficiency with heaviness and dizziness of the head, extreme distress, and no awareness of food flavor; it warms the flesh, supplements the middle, and benefits essence qi. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), Appendix)

White Atractylodes 2 liang, Aconite 1.5 pieces (prepared, peeled), Licorice 1 liang (prepared), Fresh Ginger 1.5 liang (sliced), Jujube 6 pieces. The above five ingredients, with 3 sheng of water, boil down to 1 sheng, remove the sediment, and divide into three warm doses. After one dose, if the body feels numb, take another dose after about half a day; when all three doses are finished, the patient may feel as if veiled or dazed; do not be alarmed—this is simply because Atractylodes and Aconite move together into the skin to expel water qi and have not yet completed the elimination. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet))

The above five ingredients, with 3 sheng of water, boil down to 1 sheng, remove the sediment, and divide into three warm doses. After one dose, if the body feels numb, take another dose after about half a day; when all three doses are finished, the patient may feel as if veiled or dazed; do not be alarmed—this is simply because Atractylodes and Aconite move together into the skin to expel water qi and have not yet completed the elimination.

湯劑

Assist internal yang to expel exterior dampness.

1. Bi syndrome of yang deficiency with wind-dampness predominantly dampness, with body pain, hard stool, and free urination. 2. Wind deficiency with heaviness and dizziness of the head, extreme distress, and no awareness of food flavor; use this to warm the flesh, supplement the middle, and benefit essence qi.

Avoid scallion, pork, Chinese cabbage, seaweed, peach, plum, and sparrow meat.