"Qishuang Dan": Spreading the Liver and Regulating Qi, Strengthening the Spleen and Harmonizing the Stomach
Qishuang Dan is an empirical formula recorded in Shishi Milu (Secret Records of the Stone Chamber) by the Qing-dynasty physician Chen Shiduo. Its composition is: Baishao (white peony) 5 qian (15 g), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, bupleurum) 2 qian (6 g), Chaozhizi (stir-fried Gardeniae Fructus, cape jasmine) 1 qian (3 g), Cangzhu (atractylodes) 1 qian (3 g), Fuling (poria) 1 qian (3 g), Liushenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, medicated leaven) 5 fen (1.5 g), Banxia (pinellia) 1 qian (3 g), Gancao (licorice) 1 qian (3 g), Mudanpi (moutan bark) 3 qian (9 g). This makes one dose; decoct in water, strain, and take warm after meals, twice daily.
This formula spreads the liver and regulates qi, strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach. It is indicated for liver-channel disorders with fullness and distension in both hypochondria, acid regurgitation and vomiting of acid. It is an excellent empirical formula for digestive tract diseases such as reflux esophagitis, cholecystitis, and superficial gastritis. Its indications include acid regurgitation and heartburn, abdominal distension, indigestion, bad breath, irregular bowel movements, yellowish-red urine, and foul-smelling stools. It also treats women's menstrual irregularities, premenstrual depression, and dysmenorrhea.
The formula is named Qishuang Dan ("Refreshing Qi Elixir"), implying that it spreads the liver and resolves stagnation. It does indeed provide some relief for emotional depression of various causes. For patients with more severe depression, Xiangfuzi (nutgrass galingale), Yujin (Curcumae Radix, curcuma), Meiguihua (Rosae Rugosae Flos, rose), and Hehuanpi (Albizziae Cortex, albizzia bark) may be added on top of this formula. For amenorrhea or delayed menstruation, Taoren (peach kernel), Honghua (Carthami Flos, safflower), Yimucao (Leonuri Herba, motherwort), and Danggui may be added as appropriate. For severe heartburn, Wuzeigu (Sepiae Endoconcha, cuttlebone), Baiji (Bletillae Rhizoma, bletilla), and Walengzi (Cypraeae Concha, cowrie shell) may be added to suppress acid.