Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Fermented Soybean Decoction

傷寒論

-- After a major illness has resolved, if there is relapse due to overexertion, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang governs it. (If there is retained food, add rhubarb in pieces the size of a chess piece, five or six pieces; taking it will cure.) (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Bitter orange 3 pieces, roasted; gardenia 14 pieces, split; fermented soybean 1 sheng, wrapped in silk. For the above three ingredients, use 7 sheng of clear rice-washing water; boil alone to obtain 4 sheng; add bitter orange and gardenia; boil to obtain 2 sheng; add fermented soybean; boil further for five or six boils; remove dregs; take warm in two divided doses; cover to cause slight sweating. If there is retained food, add rhubarb the size of a chess piece, five or six pieces; taking it will cure. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

Use 7 sheng of clear rice-washing water; boil alone to obtain 4 sheng; add bitter orange and gardenia; boil to obtain 2 sheng; add fermented soybean; boil further for five or six boils; remove dregs; take warm in two divided doses; cover to cause slight sweating.

湯劑

Clear heat and eliminate restlessness, move qi and resolve food stagnation.

After recovery from cold damage or a major illness, due to overexertion or dietary damage, there is body heat, mental restlessness and insomnia, and tenderness below the heart with refusal of pressure.

If there is retained food: add rhubarb: 6.