Jiebiao Shengma Decoction for Reducing Fever and Relieving Pain

In Li Dongyuan's book Lanshi Micang (Secret Records of the Orchid Chamber), there is a formula called Jiebiao Shengma Decoction. Its composition is as follows: Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii), and Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis), each 1 qian (3 g); Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) 8 fen (2.4 g); Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), each 7 fen (2.1 g); Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Gaoben (Rhizoma Ligustici), each 5 fen (1.5 g); Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 3 fen (0.9 g).

For each dose, decoct with one bowl of water (300 ml) down to half a bowl (150 ml), strain out the dregs, and take warm. After taking the medicine, follow with scallion-vinegar decoction to assist diaphoresis; a slight sweating is the optimal state. Take 2-3 times daily. In severe cases, the dose may be given every 2 hours, 4-6 times over a day and night.

The actions of this formula are to dispel wind and dampness, release the exterior and disperse cold. It is indicated for exterior contraction of wind-dampness with persistent body fever and bone-joint pain. In winter, Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) may be added; in spring and summer, Mahuang is not added. The formula is mild in nature and small in dosage, with no significant side effects. It may be used for either wind-cold or wind-heat patterns; the key indications for use are fever and pain of the limbs and joints. Today it is often used to treat the common cold and may also help relieve mild-to-moderate cancer pain. Regardless of the type of pain, when using this formula to reduce fever and relieve pain, excessive sweating must be strictly avoided, as excessive sweating weakens the patient and prolongs the illness.

In this formula, Shengma, Qianghuo, Cangzhu, Fangfeng, Gaoben, and other herbs all have analgesic effects. Moreover, from the perspective of modern pharmacology, most of the herbs in this formula also exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antihistaminic actions.