Peony and Licorice Decoction

傷寒論

Cold damage with a floating pulse, spontaneous sweating, frequent urination, vexation, slight aversion to cold, and cramping of the feet: if one instead gives Gui Zhi Tang to attack the exterior, this is an error. Once this happens, there may be reversal cold of the limbs, dry throat, restlessness, and vomiting; prepare Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang and give it to restore the Yang. If the reversal cold resolves and the feet become warm, further prepare Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang and give it, and the feet will immediately straighten. If stomach qi is disharmonious with delirious speech, give a small amount of Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang. If sweating is repeatedly induced and burning needle is further applied, Si Ni Tang governs it. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Shao Yao and Gancao (prepared), each 4 liang. The above two ingredients, with 3 sheng of water, boil down to 1 sheng and 5 ge; remove the dregs and take warm in divided doses, twice. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun)

Boil 6 bowls of water down to 2 bowls; take 1 bowl warm before each meal.

湯劑

Regulate qi and nourish blood, sedate and relieve pain.

1. Liver yin insufficiency with overacting on the spleen earth, causing abdominal tension and pain. 2. Yin fluid insufficiency with loss of nourishment of the sinews and vessels, causing spasmodic contraction of the hands and feet.

If there is Yang deficiency, with a pale-white, enlarged, swollen tongue with teeth marks and a slippery, watery coating: add prepared Fuzi (aconite): 10.

Use with caution in those with soft, flabby muscles or unformed stool without abdominal pain.