Insights and Updates

Today I spoke on the phone with my father. He told me that yesterday, one of my cousins suddenly died of cor pulmonale in Wenzhou. This cousin was only one year older than I, was also a doctor, and we grew up together. He has…

"Xiaoshuan Tongluo Pian" (Thrombo-Dissolving and Collateral-Unblocking Tablets) comes from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Part I, 2005 edition. Its composition is: Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) 120 g, Danshen (Salvia Root) 90 g, Huangqi (Astragalus Root) 180 g, Zexie (Water Plantain Rhizome) 60…

"Poxue Tang" (Blood-Breaking Decoction) comes from Bao Ming Ge Kuo (Song on Guarding Life). It is composed of equal parts (each 6-10 g) of Taoren (Peach Kernel, skin and tip removed, pounded), Honghua (Safflower, wine-washed), Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome, steeped in children's…

Pinggan Shuluo Wan (Liver-Calming and Collaterals-Unblocking Pill) comes from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Part I, 2005 edition. Its composition is: Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) 45 g, Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel, vinegar-baked) 45 g, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 45 g, Foshou (Finger Citron) 45…

Lin Zheng Yi An Yi Fang (Clinical Case Records and Medical Formulas) contains two Nephritis Decoction formulas, Nephritis Decoction No. 1 and Nephritis Decoction No. 2. The composition of Nephritis Decoction No. 1 is as follows: Dongguazi (Winter Melon Seed) 30 g, Dongguapi (Winter Melon…

Because I wrote earlier about being in a depressive episode and in poor physical health, many readers have continuously shown concern and sent greetings. I am deeply grateful for everyone's care. Lately my physical condition has been very good; I have not coughed for nearly…

The formula "Naodesheng Wan" (Brain-Revitalizing Pills) comes from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Part I, 2005 edition. Its composition is: Sanqi (Notoginseng) 78 g, Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) 78 g, Honghua (Safflower) 91 g, Gegen (Kudzu Root) 251 g, Shanzha (Hawthorn Fruit,…

Jianpi Wan (Spleen-Fortifying Pill) comes from Yi Fang Ji Jie (Systematic Analysis of Medical Formulas). It is composed of 60 g (2 liang) each of Renshen (Ginseng, now often replaced by Dangshen, Codonopsis Root) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizoma, earth-fried); 60 g (2 liang) each of…

As Heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must the gentleman cease not from self-improvement. As the earth's condition is receptive devotion, so must the gentleman carry the world with broad virtue. — Book of Changes (Zhou Yi) Lately I have been absorbed in reading works…

Zhu Danxi, one of the Four Great Masters of the Jin-Yuan period, had a formula called "Kaxue Fang" for treating the cough-and-blood syndrome caused by liver fire invading the lung. It is composed of 6 g (2 qian) of Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis, water-floated), 9 g…