Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction

傷寒論

-- Shaoyin disease, after two or three days or more, with vexation in the heart and inability to lie down, Huanglian Ejiao Tang governs it. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Coptis four liang, Scutellaria two liang, Peony two liang, egg yolk two pieces, ass-hide gelatin three liang. For the above five ingredients, use six sheng of water; first decoct the three items, take two sheng, remove the dregs, add the gelatin and melt it completely, cool slightly, add the egg yolk, stir to mix evenly, take seven ge warm, three times daily. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

Finely cut the above; first decoct the three ingredients with one ge and five shao of water, decoct to five shao. Remove the dregs, add ass-hide gelatin, melt it completely, add egg yolk, stir to mix. Take in a single dose.

湯劑

Nourish yin and drain fire, restore communication between the heart and kidneys.

For heart vexation and insomnia due to insufficiency of the heart and kidneys with relatively severe yin deficiency and exuberant fire, with red tongue, dry coating, and a thin rapid pulse.

For severe insomnia with yang deficiency, with right chi deep and weak, left cun floating, large, and overflowing upward: combine with Hui Yang Yin. -- If yang deficiency, with pale, enlarged tongue body bearing tooth marks and a slippery wet coating: add prepared Aconite 10, dried Ginger 10. -- Bleeding: add raw Rehmannia 15. -- Constipation with abdominal pain that refuses pressure: add processed Rhubarb 6.

The dosage of Coptis in this formula is relatively large, and the decocted liquid is also quite bitter. Generally speaking, it should not be taken for a long time; after symptoms are relieved, the dosage should be reduced. Instruct female patients to maintain good sleep, eat less raw and cold food during menstruation, avoid catching cold, and reduce vigorous exercise.