Insights and Updates

The Chinese clinician Zhang Baoheng and colleagues once used a 50% Sophora-flavescens syrup, at a dose of 20 ml for adults and 5–15 ml for children, given orally or by nasogastric tube in a single dose as a substitute for sedative-hypnotics. Observing 101 treatment sessions,…

In the Qing-dynasty physician Chen Shiduo's Bianzheng Lu (Records of Pattern Differentiation) there is a formula called "Shenjiao Tang" ("Spirit-Communion Decoction"). Its composition is: ginseng 1 liang (30 g), Ophiopogon (Maimendong) 1 liang (30 g), Morinda (Bajitian) 1 liang (30 g), Biota seed (Baiziren) 5…

"Shuangbai Wan" ("Twin-White Pills") was originally an empirical formula of a man named Zhu Shutong, and was included in the Weishi Jiacang Fang (Wei Family's Family-Transmitted Formulas). Its composition is very simple: white Poria (Bai Fuling) and deer-antler ash (Lujiaoshuang), equal parts, ground together into…

In Jifeng Puji Fang there is a formula called "Shuiluhu Wan" ("Water-Hyacinth Pills") for treating dry mouth and vexing thirst. Its composition is: Baiyaojian [Chinese gall fermented with tea] 3 liang (90 g), licorice 1 liang (30 g), smoked plum meat (Wumei) and white plum…

In Jin Yong's wuxia novels there are often masters of disguise who can use simple ointments and flour to change their appearance into another person—for example, Ah Zhu in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is such a clever, whimsical character. Did such things as a "disguise ointment"…

"Kuaipi San" ("Quick-Spleen Powder") comes from Yangshi Jiacang Fang (Master Yang's Family-Transmitted Formulas). Its composition is: prepared licorice (Zhi Gancao) 600 g, tsaoko fruit (Caoguo) 300 g (peel not removed), fresh ginger 1200 g, and table salt 450 g. The above doses are modern conversions…

In Shengji Zonglu (Comprehensive Records of Divine Relief) there is a formula called "Yixiao San" ("Extraordinary-Effect Powder") for treating luoli jiehe (scrofulous nodules—lymph-node tuberculosis, tumors, and similar conditions). The composition is very simple: 49 specimens of the blister beetle Lytta, and 1 liang (30 g)…

Qingre Ningsou Huatan Dingchuan Wan ("Pill for Clearing Heat, Calming Cough, Resolving Phlegm, and Stopping Wheeze") is a formula recorded in the classical text Shoushi Baoyuan (Longevity and Life Preservation). Its composition is: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum (Juhong) 5 qian (15 g), Indigo Naturalis (Qingdai) 3…

Tongling San comes from Qixiao Liangfang (Effective Formulas Tested over Generations). Its composition is: Yizhiren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, alpinia), Baifuling (white Poria), and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, atractylodes) in equal parts. Grind all the above into a fine powder; take 2 qian (6 g) each…

Zhao Bingnan was a famous contemporary TCM surgeon in China. In his work Zhao Bingnan Linchuang Jingyan Ji (Collected Clinical Experiences of Zhao Bingnan), there is a formula named "Baiji Gao," an external medicine specifically used by Dr. Zhao for treating all kinds of burns…