Ephedra, Aconite, and Licorice Decoction

傷寒論

Shaoyin disease, having been contracted for two or three days, use Ephedra, Aconite and Licorice Decoction to slightly induce sweating; because for two or three days there is no interior pattern, therefore slightly induce sweating. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage)) -- When water causes disease, if the pulse is deep and small, it belongs to Shaoyin; if floating, it is wind, and there is no water; if deficient distention, it is qi. For water, inducing sweating will resolve it. If the pulse is deep, Ephedra, Aconite and Licorice Decoction is suitable; if floating, Apricot Kernel Decoction is suitable. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet))

Ephedra 2 liang, remove the nodes; Licorice 2 liang, prepared; Aconite 1 piece, prepared, peel, break into eight pieces. The above three ingredients, with 7 sheng of water, first boil Ephedra for one or two boils, remove the upper froth; add the other ingredients, decoct to obtain 3 sheng, remove the dregs, take 1 sheng warm, three times daily. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun, Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases)

The above three ingredients, with 7 sheng of water, first boil Ephedra for one or two boils, remove the upper froth, add the other ingredients, decoct to obtain 3 sheng, remove the dregs. Take 1 sheng warm, three times daily.

湯劑

Assist yang and release the exterior.

Shaoyin disease, with aversion to cold and body pain, no sweat, slight fever, and a deep, faint pulse.

1. If Ephedra is used at 15 g or more, it should be decocted for a long time, at least two hours. 2. Prescriptions containing Ephedra should not be taken after 8 p.m.; otherwise, it easily causes insomnia. If insomnia still occurs after doing so, change to taking it after breakfast and lunch. 3. Those who are thin and weak, those who are frail and frequently ill, and those who are thin, pale, and sweat easily should all use Ephedra with caution.