Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction

傷寒論

In cold damage for five or six days, having already been induced to sweat and then purged, with fullness and slight binding in the chest and hypochondrium, inhibited urination, thirst without vomiting, sweating only on the head, alternating cold and heat, and heart vexation: this is not yet resolved; Chai Hu Gui Zhi Gan Jiang Tang governs it. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Chai Hu (Bupleurum) half a jin; Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) 3 liang, peeled; Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 2 liang; Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthes Root) 4 liang; Huang Qin (Scutellaria) 3 liang; Mu Li (Oyster Shell) 2 liang, roasted; Gan Cao (Licorice) 2 liang, honey-fried. The above seven ingredients, with 1 dou 2 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 6 sheng, remove dregs, decoct again to obtain 3 sheng, take 1 sheng warmly, three times daily. At the first dose there is slight vexation; after repeated doses, sweating occurs and then recovery. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

The above seven ingredients, with 1 dou 2 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 6 sheng, remove dregs, decoct again to obtain 3 sheng. Take 1 sheng warmly, three times daily. At the first dose there is slight vexation; after repeated doses, sweating occurs and then recovery.

湯劑

Harmonize Shaoyang and concurrently Resolve Phlegm and fluids.

Shaoyang disease complicated by internal binding of water-fluid. Cold damage for five or six days, having already been induced to sweat and then purged, with fullness and slight binding in the chest and hypochondrium, inhibited urination, thirst without vomiting, sweating only on the head, alternating cold and heat, and heart vexation. Also treats unresolved Mu malaria and Lao malaria.

If there is yang deficiency, with pale, swollen, large tongue body with teeth marks and watery-slippery coating: add Pao Fu Zi (prepared Aconite): 10. -- For blood deficiency with sallow complexion, dizziness, and pain: combine with Dang Gui Shao Yao San.

In Japan, there are reports that this formula causes interstitial pneumonia; it is recommended to undergo an X-ray examination after 3 months of taking the medication.