My Medical Philosophy: Categorized TCM Formulas for Neurological Diseases (1)

In keeping with the principle advocated in this book's general introduction—gathering cognate formulas and cognate medicinals into large composite formulas—I will compile common TCM formulas and medicinals by category for use in clinical formula composition. This installment covers cognate formulas for neurological diseases. To save space, the introductions will be as brief as possible, focusing mainly on indications.

Because my medical reference books are all at home and it is difficult to consult them while I am studying at school, the order of compilation has been adjusted: while at home I will focus on compiling from materials; while at school I will use spare time for writing on basic medical principles.

Following the principle of "first have it, then improve it," I will not aim for perfection in the current ordering of formulas and medicinals; I will first organize them and revise everything uniformly later. Each section is lengthy and will be split into several articles.

Wendan Tang (Gallbladder-Warming Decoction): Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam), and Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), each two liang; Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) three liang; zhigancao (honey-fried licorice) one liang; Fuling (Poria) one and a half liang. It treats timidity and easy fright, dizziness and palpitations, vexation and insomnia, many disturbed dreams at night; or nausea and hiccup, vertigo, and epilepsy; with a white greasy tongue coating and a wiry, slippery pulse. Clinically it is often used for neurosis, acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, chronic bronchitis, Meniere's disease, menopausal syndrome, and epilepsy belonging to the pattern of gallbladder constraint with phlegm harassing upward.

Gouteng Lingyangjiao Tang (Uncaria and Antelope Horn Decoction): Lingyangjiao slices (decoct first) 4.5 g; frost-treated Sangye (Mori Folium) 6 g; Jingchuanbeimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, cored) 12 g; fresh Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) 15 g; Shuangguteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, added later) 9 g; Chuju chrysanthemum 9 g; Fushenmu (Pini in Poria) 9 g; raw Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 9 g; raw Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) 3 g; fresh light Zhuru scraped 15 g, decocted together with the antelope horn as the base water. Indications: hypertension and stroke sequelae.

Angong Niuhuang Wan (Peaceful Palace Bovine Bezoar Pill): Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus), concentrated water-buffalo horn powder, artificial Shexiang (Moschus), Zhenzhu (Margarita), Zhusha (Cinnabaris), Xionghuang (Realgar), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Yujin (Curcumae Radix), and Bingpian (Borneolum). Indication: stroke sequelae; improper use may cause hypothermia.

Tianma Gouteng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction): Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) three qian; Gouteng (Uncaria, added later) and Chuanniuxi (Cyathulae Radix), each four qian; Shijueming (Haliotidis Concha, decoct first) six qian; Zhizi, Huangqin, Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex), Yimucao (Leonuri Herba), Sangjisheng (Taxilli Herba), Jiaoteng (Polygni Multiflori Caulis), and Zhufushen (Poria cum Pini) three qian each. It treats headache, dizziness, and insomnia caused by ascendant liver yang and liver wind harassing upward.

Tianma Wan (Gastrodia Pill): Treats various convulsions in children. Tianma half a liang; Quanxie (Scorpio) one liang; Tiannanxing (Arisaemae Rhizoma) half a liang; Baicancong (Bombyx Batryticatus) two qian. Grind finely; mix wine-boiled paste into pills the size of a hemp seed. For a one-year-old, take ten to fifteen pills each time, washed down with Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba) decoction.

Yitong Wushuang Wan (Epilepsy-Unique Pill): Quanxie two qian; zhinanxing (processed Arisaema) two qian; Fabanxia (prepared Pinellia) two liang; Wugong (Scolopendra) two qian; Baifan (Alumen) one liang; Baifuzi (Typhonii Rhizoma, processed) five qian; Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) one and a half liang; Zhuya-zaojia (Gleditsiae Fructus Abnormalis) two liang; Wushaoshe (Zaocys) one liang; Shexiang six fen; Xionghuang powder one qian and five fen. Form water-paste pills; take orally twice daily, five fen to one qian each time, with plain water. Indication: epilepsy.

Baoyuan Dan (Source-Securing Elixir): Dannanxing (bile Arisaema) three liang two qian; Fuling two liang; Jiangcan one liang; Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) two liang five qian; Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) three liang five qian; Qingmengshi (Lapis Micae Aureus) two liang five qian; Gouteng two liang five qian; Bohe (Menthae Herba) two liang five qian; Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma) three liang five qian; Quanxie four liang; Tianzhuhuang (Bambusae Concretio Silicea) two liang; Chenpi two liang; Tianma two liang; Zhuya-zaojia two liang five qian; Gancao two liang; Wugong five qian; Hupo (Succinum) powder four qian; Niuhuang one qian; Shexiang one qian; Bingpian five fen; Zhenzhu powder four qian; Zhusha powder four qian. Refine with honey into pills, each weighing five fen; take twice daily, one pill each time, with plain water. Indication: stroke sequelae.

Kongsheng Zhenzhong Dan (Master's Pillow-Settling Elixir): Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix), Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), prepared Guiban (Testudinis Plastrum), and Longgu (Mastodi Ossis Fossilia).

Zhengan Xifeng Tang (Liver-Calming Wind-Extinguishing Decoction): Huainiuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), raw Zheshi (Hematitum), raw Longgu, raw Muli (Ostrea Concha), raw Guiban, raw Hangbai (Paeonia), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix), Chuanlianzi (Toosendan Fructus), raw Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), and Gancao. It treats apoplexy-like patterns: head and eye dizziness, eye distension and tinnitus, hot pain in the head, a face as if drunk, vexing heat in the heart, frequent belching, gradually weak and inconvenient limbs, gradually deviated mouth and eye; even vertigo with falling, loss of consciousness for a time before waking, or failure to recover after waking, with a wiry, long, forceful pulse. Clinically often used for hypertension, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, and vasogenic headache belonging to liver-kidney yin deficiency with internal stirring of liver wind.

Bushen Wan (Kidney-Tonifying Pill): Treats wei-jue (atrophy and cold), soft sinew and bone, and deficiency of both qi and blood. Guiban and stir-fried Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), each one and a half liang; Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) two qian; Niuxi one liang; Chenpi half a liang. Grind into powder; mix ginger juice into pills, or wine-paste pills; take seventy pills each time. (From Danxi Xinfa)

Guijia San (Tortoise Shell Powder): Treats heart failing to govern will, with forgetfulness. Guiban, Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Yuanzhi, and Changpu in equal parts. (From Shengji Zonglu)

Hupo Duomei Wan (Amber Deep-Sleep Pill): Hupo (Succinum), Renshen (Ginseng), Fushen (Poria cum Pini), and Yuanzhi. It treats heart-qi deficiency, forgetfulness and bewilderment, and spirit deficiency with inability to sleep.

Hupo Dingzhi Wan (Amber Will-Settling Pill): Hupo, Renshen, Tiannanxing, and Yuanzhi. It treats qi deficiency with phlegm congestion, fright palpitations and unease.

Hupo Yangxin Wan (Amber Heart-Nourishing Pill): Hupo, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen), and Baiziren (Biotae Semen). It nourishes the heart and calms the spirit, treating restless palpitations.

Hupo Anshen Wan (Amber Spirit-Pacifying Pill): Hupo, Zhenzhu, Shengdi, and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix). It nourishes yin and clears heat, settles the heart and calms the spirit, treating yin deficiency with vexing insomnia.

Hupo Baolong Wan (Amber Dragon-Holding Pill): Hupo, Dannanxing, Tianzhuhuang, and Quanxie. It clears heat and resolves phlegm, extinguishes wind and stops spasms, treating epilepsy and convulsions in children.

Zhuangyuan Wan (Scholar Pill): Shichangpu (Acori, denuded, 3.3 cm, nine-jointed preferred), Digupi (Lycii Cortex, wood removed), Baifushen (Poria, skin and wood removed), and Yuanzhi meat (soaked in licorice water, cored), each 30 g; Renshen and Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix), each 15 g. Grind the above into powder. Separately take 60 g of Baifuling (Poria, peeled) and 60 g of sticky rice, grind together into powder. Use 9 g of Shichangpu, crushed and decocted into a thick broth, strained, and cooked into a paste with the powders to form pills. Take thirty-five pills each time, after meals, at noon, and before bed, three times daily. Function: nourish the heart and boost wisdom; treats forgetfulness.

Daxingfeng Tang (Great Wind-Clearing Decoction): Tiannanxing (raw) 240 g; Fangfeng (raw) 120 g; Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix, raw), raw Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis), Quanxie (slightly stir-fried), and raw Gancao, each 60 g. Grind the above into coarse powder. Each dose takes 12 g, with 600 ml water and twenty slices of Shengjiang, decocted to 480 ml and strained. Function: dispel wind and resolve phlegm. Indications: stroke-phlegm syncope, drooling with dizziness and fainting, convulsion of hands and feet, hemiplegia, joint-wide body pain, and tense and contracted sinews and vessels. (From Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang)

Duoming Huanzhen Dan (Life-Snatching Truth-Restoring Elixir): Danggui (wine-washed, one liang), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma, five qian), Baishao (wine-fried, one liang), Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Praeparata, five qian), Shengdi (five qian), Renshen (root removed, seven qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, seven qian and five fen), Chenpi (white removed, five qian), Baifuling (peeled, one liang), Banxia (ginger-processed, one liang), Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus, bran-fried, one liang), Jiegeng (Platycodi Radix, root removed, one liang), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, seven qian five fen), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Cortex, five qian), Quanxie (toxin removed, five qian), Tianma (seven qian five fen), Fangfeng (root removed, one liang), Jiangcan (stir-fried, five qian), Qianghuo (one liang five qian), Duhuo (seven qian five fen), Gaoben (Ligustici Rhizoma, seven qian five fen), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, three qian), Bohe leaves (one liang), Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos, five qian), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, one liang), soft Shigao (Gypsum, one liang), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, one liang), Huangqin (five qian), Huanglian (Coptidis, five qian), Digupi (five qian), Manjingzi (Viticis Fructus, five qian), Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen, wine-processed, seven qian five fen), Xiaohuixiang (Foeniculi Fructus, wine-fried, one liang), Duzhong (wine-fried, one liang), Mahuang (one liang), Gejie (Gecko, crisp-fried, one liang). It treats stroke with hemiplegia, paralysis of hands and feet, deviated mouth and eye, and slurred speech. (From Gong Tingxian's Wanshu Huichun)

Piantan Fuyuan Wan (Hemiplegia Recovery Pill): Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Renshen, Danggui, Chuanxiong, Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Shudihuang, Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix), Niuxi, Tianma, stir-fried Jiangcan, Quanxie, Gouteng, Baifuzi (alum-processed), Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix), Dilong (Pheretima), Tieshi-Weilingxian (Clematidis Radix), Fangfeng, Duzhong charcoal, Buguzhi (Psoraleae Fructus, salt-processed), Gusuibu (Drynariae Rhizoma), Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma, vinegar-processed), Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Doukouren (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), Fuling, Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Guizhi, Baizhu (stir-fried), Zhiqiao (stir-fried), Maidong, Fabanxia, Anxixiang (Styrax), Gancao, Bingpian, and others. Indication: hemiplegia caused by stroke. (From the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China)

Soufeng Wan (Wind-Searching Pill): Tianma 96 g; Xuanshen 93 g; Bixie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, powdered) 93 g; Duzhong (wine-fried, threads removed) 105 g; Fuzi (soaked in salt water, peeled) 15 g; Qianghuo 21 g; Niuxi and Duhuo (wine-washed), each 99 g; Danggui (wine-washed) 15 g; Shengdi (soaked in wine for a day and night, pounded into paste) 30 g. The above dosages have all been converted to modern grams. Indication: stroke sequelae.

Qingxuan Zhitan Wan (Clear-Wind Stroke-Treating Pill): Tianma, Jiangcan, Quanxie, Dilong, Zhenzhu, Juemingzi (Cassiae Semen), concentrated water-buffalo horn powder, Niuhuang, Huanglian, Huangqin, Danshen, Chuanxiong, Chishao, Niuxi, Moyao (Myrrha, vinegar-processed), Xuejie (Draconis Sanguis), Tieshi-Weilingxian, Baifuzi (alum-processed), wine-treated Qishe (Agkistrodon), Fabanxia, Anxixiang, Bingpian, Renshen (root crown removed), Huangqi, stir-fried Baizhu, Fuling, Maidong, Xuanshen, Dihuang, Gusuibu, Sangjisheng, Chenxiang, vinegar Xiangfu, Yujin, Zhiqiao (stir-fried), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Huaimi (Sophorae Flos), Zexie, Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), and others. Indication: hemiplegia from stroke sequelae.

Yinao Fujian Capsules (Brain-Benefiting Recovery Capsules): Sanqi, Chishao, Honghua (Carthami Flos), Chuanxiong, Xuejie, Gegen, Xixiancao (Siegesbeckiae Herba), and Dilong. Indication: stroke sequelae.

Huangu Dan (Bone-Transforming Elixir): Danggui, Baishao, Renshen, and Weilingxian (Clematidis Radix), each 2 liang (60 g); Tiannanxing 3 liang (90 g); Ruxiang (Olibanum, oil removed) 2 liang (60 g); Moyao (oil removed) 2 liang (60 g); Mahuang (nodes removed, decocted separately and mixed with the other medicinals) 3 jin (1.5 kg). Except for the Mahuang, grind the above into powder; use the Mahuang decoction and flour to form pills the size of a bullet (about 6 g each). Shujin Bao'an San (Sinew-Relaxing Security Powder): Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Bixie, Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces), Niuxi, Tianma, Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix), Baicancong, Songjie (Pini Lignum Nodi), Baishao, Wuyao (Linderae Radix, wood removed), Weilingxian, Huangqi, Chuandanggui, Fangfeng (forks removed), and Hugu (Tigris Os; now replaced by dog bone or omitted), each 1 liang (30 g). Soak the medicinals in 7.5 sheng of unfiltered wine for 27 days, seal tightly; after several more days, remove and dry them in an oven, then pound together into coarse powder to make a powder. Each dose takes 2 qian (6 g), washed down with 75 ml of the soaking wine; afterward take rice gruel. This formula dispels wind and dampness, invigorates blood and relaxes the sinews. It treats left or right paralysis, sinew-vessel contracture, hemiplegia, weak legs and feet, dry or wet beriberi, and dampness lodged in the channels and collaterals with long inability to stand. The above symptoms are commonly seen in patients after cerebral thrombosis or sequelae of cerebral hemorrhage.

Xiaoshuan Oral Liquid (or Xiaoshuan Capsules): It consists of Huangqi, Danggui, Chishao, Dilong, Chuanxiong, Taoren (Persicae Semen), and Honghua. Its functions are to boost qi, invigorate blood, and unblock the collaterals. It treats hemiplegia caused by stroke, deviated mouth and eye, slurred speech, drooling, flaccid lower limbs, and frequent urination. Dosage per the package insert. Use cautiously in patients with yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity or a bleeding tendency. This formula was derived by modifying Huangqi Buxue Tang, Taohong Siwu Tang, and Buyang Huanwu Tang. It has some effect on stroke sequelae, especially ischemic cerebral thrombosis, but its blood-activating and stasis-resolving force is strong, so the patient's response must be closely watched during use. If the patient has a bleeding tendency—such as epistaxis, black stools, or purpura—stop the medication and seek medical care.

Xiaoshuan Zaizao Wan (Thrombus-Resolving Restoration Pill): It consists of Xuejie, Chishao, Moyao, Danggui, Niuxi, Danshen, Chuanxiong, Guizhi, Sanqi, Doukou (Amomi Fructus), Yujin, Zhiqiao, Baizhu, Renshen, Chenxiang, Jinqian Baihuashe (Bungarus Parvus), Jiangcan, Baifuzi, Tianma, Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Mugua, Quanxie, Tieshi-Weilingxian, Huangqi, Zexie, Fuling, Duzhong, Huaihua (Sophorae Flos), Maidong, Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), Gusuibu, Songxiang (Colophonium), Shanzha, Rougui, Bingpian, Suhexiang (Styrax), Anxixiang, Zhusha, and others. Its functions are to invigorate blood and resolve stasis, extinguish wind and unblock the collaterals, supplement qi and nourish blood, and dissolve thrombi. It treats stroke sequelae from qi deficiency and blood stasis with wind-phlegm obstructing the collaterals, presenting as limb paralysis, hemiplegia, deviated mouth and eye, speech disturbance, and oppression in the chest. Dosage per the package insert. It comes in small water-honey pills and large honey pills; patients may choose the dosage form they prefer. This formula is complex; its medicinals mainly anticoagulate and dissolve thrombi, and it also includes various symptom-directed medicinals that have some effect on relieving mental disturbances. But some of its ingredients (such as Zhusha and Baifuzi) are quite toxic; excessive or prolonged use can cause poisoning, so patients must control dosage and duration.

Xiaoshuan Tongluo Tablets (or Capsules or Granules): It consists of Chuanxiong, Danshen, Huangqi, Zexie, Sanqi, Huaihua, Guizhi, Yujin, Muxiang, Bingpian, Shanzha, and others. Its functions are to invigorate blood and resolve stasis, warm the channels and unblock the collaterals. It treats stroke sequelae from blood stasis obstructing the collaterals, presenting as dulled expression, slurred speech, cold hands and feet, and limb pain, as well as ischemic stroke and hyperlipidemia with the above symptoms. Dosage per the package insert. Use cautiously in those with yin deficiency and internal heat or a bleeding tendency; contraindicated in prominent wind-fire or phlegm-heat patterns.

Xiaoshuan Tong Granules: It consists of Huangqi, Danggui, Dihuang, Taoren, Chishao, Chuanxiong, Dilong, Zhishi, Sanqi, Danshen, Gancao, Honghua, Niuxi, Bingpian, and others. Its functions are to boost qi and invigorate blood, dispel stasis and unblock the collaterals. It treats stroke sequelae from qi deficiency and blood stasis, presenting as hemiplegia, devoured mouth and tongue, slurred speech, headache, chest pain, and hypochondriac pain; it has some preventive effect in those with impending stroke (mild cerebral thrombosis or evolving thrombosis). Dosage per the package insert. This formula was also derived by modifying Taohong Siwu Tang, Huangqi Danggui Buxue Tang, and Buyang Huanwu Tang; its anticoagulant and thrombolytic action is even stronger than that of Xiaoshuan Oral Liquid, so those with a bleeding tendency should use it cautiously.

Fufeng Qianzheng Plaster: It consists of Baifuzi, Dilong, Quanxie, Jiangcan, Chuanxiong, Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Danggui, Chishao, Fangfeng, Shengjiang, Zhangnao (Camphora), Bingpian, Bohenao (Menthol), and Shexiangcaofen (thymol). In preparing the plaster, a base of rubber, rosin, zinc oxide, petrolatum, and lanolin is also added.

Changpu Tang (Acorus Decoction): Changpu, Yuanzhi (cored), Mutong, Baifuling, Renshen, Shijueming, Danggui, Fangfeng, and Rougui, each 1 liang (30 g). Grind into coarse powder; each dose takes 3 qian (9 g), with 150 ml water, three slices of Shengjiang, and one Dazao, decocted together to 100 ml and strained. Take warm, at any time. This formula boosts qi and nourishes blood, supplements the heart and calms the spirit. It treats stroke hemiplegia, numb hands and feet, or weak sinews and vessels unable to lift themselves, with heart deficiency and much fright.

Qufeng Dao Tan Tang (Wind-Dispelling Phlegm-Guiding Decoction): Fangfeng, Dannanxing, Zhishi, Fuling, and Qianghuo, each 3 g; Baizhu (earth-fried) and Banxia, each 4.5 g; zhigancao 1.5 g; Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, white removed) 4.5 g; five slices of Shengjiang. Decoct the above in water and strain; add two spoonfuls of Zhuli (Bambusae Succus) and one spoonful of ginger juice. Take after meals, twice daily. It treats stroke sequelae, hemiplegia, weak limbs, and profuse phlegm-saliva; or wind-phlegm in the upper burner with one arm paralyzed. For qi deficiency, add Renshen and Baizhu.

Qufeng Dingdian Tang (Wind-Dispelling Epilepsy-Settling Decoction): Renshen 9 g; Baizhu 15 g; Baishao 15 g; Fushen 9 g; Gancao 3 g; one slice of Fuzi; Banxia 9 g; Chenpi 3 g; Changpu 3 g. Decoct in water; take twice daily. It treats epilepsy with sudden falling, foaming at the mouth, and sounds like those of cattle, sheep, or horses.

Shengxue Qifei Tang (Blood-Generating Debility-Raising Decoction): Yuzhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma) 2 liang (60 g); Shudi (Rehmanniae Praeparata) 1 liang (30 g); Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) 4 qian (12 g); Danggui 1 liang (30 g); Fuling 5 qian (15 g); Baijiezi (Brassicae Semen) 5 qian (15 g). Decoct the above together in water, strain, and take warm, twice daily. Its functions are to nourish yin and blood, resolve phlegm, and unblock the collaterals. It treats blood deficiency failing to nourish the sinews, with phlegm obstructing the collaterals: numbness on the left side, slurred speech, and drooling. Judging from its indications, this formula mainly addresses modern-medical stroke sequelae, mostly caused by cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction; it is especially suited to ischemic stroke and its sequelae.

Wulong Wan (Black Dragon Pill): One whole Wushaoshe (Zaocys; remove head and tail, cut into about 6-cm segments, tap gently, soak in wine overnight, remove skin and bone, and dry in an oven); Jingjisui (Schizonepetae Spica), Bohe juice, and Weilingxian (only the fine downy rootlets, rinsed quickly in warm water and cleaned, without fire, sun-dried), each 4 liang (120 g). Preparation: grind the above into fine powder. Separately take 500 g of big Zaojia (Gleditsiae Fructus), shave off the black skin and pound, soak in 2 L of running water overnight, wash clean, and knead to extract the juice, strain through raw silk, and simmer in a silver or earthenware vessel to 1 L; add 120 g of white honey and simmer again into a thick paste. Mix thoroughly with the medicinal powder and form pills the size of a parasol seed. Take 15–20 pills each time, washed down with Bohe decoction, three times daily, regardless of meals. After 5–7 days the patient may feel pain in the hands and feet; do not be alarmed, this is a reaction to the medication. Continue until the patient has basically recovered, then take once or twice daily as maintenance for 3–6 months before stopping. This formula dispels wind and dampness, and unblocks the channels and collaterals. It treats post-stroke inability of the hands and feet, with phlegm-saliva and slurred speech. By this description it can address hemiplegia of the hands and feet, drooling phlegm, and speech disturbance caused by cerebral hemorrhage or infarction.

Buyang Huanwu Tang (Yang-Supplementing Five-Returning Decoction): Raw Huangqi 120 g; Danggui-wei (Angelicae tail) 6 g; Chishao 5 g; Dilong 3 g; Chuanxiong 3 g; Honghua 3 g; Taoren 3 g. After stroke: hemiplegia, deviated mouth and eye, slurred speech, drooling, flaccid lower limbs, frequent urination or enuresis/urinary incontinence, with a pale, dark tongue, white coating, and a moderate, forceless pulse. In modern use it is often applied to the recovery phase of cerebral infarction, sequelae of cerebral hemorrhage, and hemiplegia; it may also be used for coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy belonging to qi deficiency and blood stasis.

Jieyu Anshen Tang (Depression-Resolving Spirit-Calming Decoction; the author's empirical formula): Chaihu 12 g; Baishao 12 g; Yujin 10 g; Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) 10 g; Zhimu 6 g; Jixueteng (Spatholodi Caulis) 30 g; Danggui 10 g; Shouwu-teng (Polygni Multiflori Caulis) 10 g; Hehuanpi (Albiziae Cortex) 10 g; Suanzaoren 15 g; Yuliren (Pruni Semen) 10 g; Meiguihua (Rosae Rugosae Flos) 6 g; Bayuezha (Akebiae Fructus) 6 g; Mohanlian (Ecliptae Herba) 15 g; Zhiqiao 6 g; Baizhu 6 g. It treats liver qi stagnation, unresolved anger and depression, and restless sleep at night.

Zhendian Tang (Epilepsy-Settling Decoction): Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas, dissolved) 24 g; raw Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 30 g; raw Laifuzi (Raphani Semen) 30 g; Baijiezi 9 g. Except for the Mangxiao, decoct the other medicinals in 1000 ml water down to 200 ml and pour out; then add 500 g water, decoct to 100 ml, and pour out. Combine the two decoctions, add the Mangxiao, and take it all dissolved. This formula treats dian-kuang (manic-depressive psychosis) and manic agitation, accompanied by constipation.