Qutan Dingxian Tang for Epilepsy from the Shishi Milu

"Qutan Dingxian Tang" (Phlegm-Resolving and Epilepsy-Calming Decoction) comes from Shishi Milu (Secret Records of the Stone Chamber). Its composition is: Ginseng (Renshen) 3 qian (9 g), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu) 5 qian (15 g), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao) 5 qian (15 g), Sclerotium Poriae Pararadicis (Fushen) 3 qian (9 g), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao) 1 qian (3 g), one piece of Aconitum Carmichaelii (Fuzi), Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia) 3 qian (9 g), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chenpi) 1 qian (3 g), Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii (Changpu) 1 qian (3 g). The above drugs together make one dose; decoct in water and remove the dregs. Take warm twice daily.

This formula fortifies the spleen and boosts qi, resolves phlegm and opens the orifices. It is mainly used for epilepsy, presenting as sudden fainting, foaming at the mouth, and making the sounds of cattle, sheep or horses. This disease is called "yang-dian-feng" among the common people — it is epilepsy in modern medicine, a chronic brain disease caused by abnormal neuronal discharges that produces recurrent seizures. Modern medicine has dedicated antiepileptic drugs, and ancient TCM was not entirely without means for this condition either.

According to traditional TCM theory, the formula is constructed as follows: Ginseng, Atractylodes Macrocephalae and Licorice fortify the spleen; Aconitum, Pinellia and Citrus Reticulata warm yang and expel phlegm; Acori Tatarinowii awakens the spirit and opens the orifices; Fushen quiets the spirit; White Peony softens the liver and extinguishes wind. When these medicines are combined, they achieve the effects of fortifying the spleen and boosting qi, softening the liver and extinguishing wind, and resolving phlegm and opening the orifices, which can improve the clinical symptoms of epilepsy patients. But this formula should not be expected to cure epilepsy.