The “Awakening Pill” for Treating Unconsciousness After Stroke

Cuxing Wan (Awakening Pill) is composed as follows: Sheng Huangqi 30g, Danggui 6g, Fangfeng 8g, Baizhi 6g, Jingjie 6g, Manjingzi 6g, Chuanxiong 6g, Binglang 6g, Hupo Fen 3g, Danshen 10g, Dannanxing 6g, Shengma 6g, Qianghuo 6g, Duhuo 6g, Gaoben 6g, Ruxiang 6g, Moyao 6g, Sheng Gancao 4g, Tianma 6g, Gouteng 8g, Gouqi 15g, Longdancao 3g, Fabanxia 6g, Wushaoshe 6g, Dilong 6g, Wugong 3g, Quanxie 3g, Jiangcan 6g, Pian Jianghuang 6g, Chanyi 3g, Sanleng 6g, Ezhu 6g, Duan Longgu 3g, Duan Muli 3g, Xuanshen 6g, Zhebeimu 6g, Chuanbeimu 6g, Qing Mengshi 3g, Lufengfang 6g, Weilingxian 8g, Chao Jineijin 8g, Huainiuxi 6g, Cheqianzi 6g, Jili 6g, Shichangpu 6g, Yuanzhi 6g, Bixie 6g, Mugua 15g, Yiyiren 15g, Honghua 3g, Taoren 3g, Lingyangjiao Fen 1g, Bohe 3g, Shijueming 6g, Zhizi 6g, Duzhong 6g, Yimucao 10g, Luoshiteng 6g, Kufan 3g, Guang Yujin 12g, Zhuru 6g, Baiji 6g, Wuzeigu 6g, Qinjiao 6g, Xixiancao 6g, Xianhecao 30g, Shudi 10g, Shenjincao 6g, Lulutong 6g, Shanzhuyu 6g, Sangjisheng 6g, Gouji 6g, Haifengteng 6g, Shayuanzi 6g, Tusizi 6g, Mohanlian 6g, Nüzhenzi 6g, Luxiancao 6g, Qiannianjian 6g, Cangzhu 3g, Houpo 6g, Muxiang 6g, Xiangfu 6g, Fuling 6g, Zhuling 6g, Gusubu 6g, Guiban 12g, Huangbai 3g, Renshen 3g, Chaihu 6g, Huangqin 6g, Guizhi 6g, Baishao 6g, Ganjiang 6g, Shanzha 6g, Chao Maiya 6g, Xiaoji 12g, Sanqi 3g, Sheng Puhuang 6g, Tubiechong 6g, Jixueteng 15g, Suanzaoren 6g, Xiakucao 12g, Hehuanpi 6g, Sangbaipi 6g, Tinglizi 6g, Buguzhi 6g, Rougui 6g, Roudoukou 6g, Wuyao 6g, Yuanhu 6g, Baihe 6g, Zhimu 6g, Xiyangshen 3g, Yinchen 15g, Chuipencao 6g, Dandouchi 6g, Jinqiancao 6g, Sheng Maiya 12g, Zhiqiao 6g, Baizhu 6g, Foshou 6g, Huoxiang 3g, Peilan 6g, Banbianlian 12g, Jiaogulan 6g, Chushizi 6g, Mudanpi 12g, Shidi 6g, Lianqiao 6g, Jinyinhua 6g, Wuweizi 6g, Maidong 6g, Tiandong 6g.

Grind the above herbs into fine powder, use refined honey as the excipient, and form into pills the size of mung beans or soybeans. Take 1–6 g each time, 2–3 times daily, swallowed with warm boiled water. While taking the medicine, observe the patient's stools; if the stool turns black, be alert for gastrointestinal bleeding. At the start, check liver and kidney function every two weeks. If there is no abnormality, after three months recheck liver function every 2–3 months. Please use this formula under the guidance of a licensed physician.

This formula is a fusion of many famous classical formulas for treating post-stroke sequelae. It has the effects of resolving stasis and phlegm, opening the orifices and arousing the spirit, improving cerebral circulation, and promoting the patient's awakening; hence it is called Awakening Pill. It was used to treat a 71-year-old patient who had been comatose for more than a year after a stroke; after three months of treatment the patient was basically awake.

Patients who do not awaken within 28 days after a stroke have acute disorders of consciousness; depending on the depth of coma, such patients are divided into deep coma and light coma. Patients who do not awaken beyond 28 days are medically classified as having chronic disorders of consciousness, divided into vegetative state (commonly called "vegetative person") and minimally conscious state.

Chronic disorders of consciousness are difficult to treat, and the longer the course, the lower the probability of awakening. This formula may be used as an adjunctive medication for patients with chronic disorders of consciousness, under the guidance of a licensed physician.