Clam Shell Decoction

金匱要略

After vomiting, for those with thirst who desire water and drink greedily, Wen Ge Tang is indicated; it also treats mild wind, with tight pulse and headache. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet))

Wen Ge (clam shell) 5 liang; Ephedra 3 liang; Licorice 3 liang; Fresh ginger 3 liang; Gypsum 5 liang; Apricot kernel 50 pieces; Jujube 12 pieces. The above seven ingredients, add 6 sheng of water, decoct to obtain 2 sheng, take 1 sheng warm; recovery occurs after sweating. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun)

Finely chop the above, add 3 ge of water, decoct to 1 ge. Remove dregs, divide into three warm doses per day; recovery occurs after sweating. (Modern usage: decoct nine bowls of water into three bowls, take one bowl warm after each of the three meals.)

湯劑

Treats, after vomiting, thirst with desire to obtain water and greedy drinking.

After vomiting, thirst with desire to obtain water and greedy drinking; it also treats mild wind, with tight pulse and headache.

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