Yanhusuo Tang, the Pain-Relieving Formula from Jisheng Fang

The Jisheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living) contains a formula called Yanhusuo Tang. Its composition: Danggui (angelica; soaked in wine, filed, stir-fried), Yanhusuo (corydalis; stir-fried, peeled), Puhuang (typha pollen; stir-fried), Chishao (red peony root), and Guigui (official cinnamon, not exposed to fire) — each 5 qian (15 g); Pianjianghuang (turmeric, washed), Ruxiang (frankincense), Moyao (myrrh), and Muxiang (aucklandia, not exposed to fire) — each 3 liang (90 g); Zhi Gancao (honey-fried licorice) 2.5 qian (7.5 g). Grind all the above into a coarse powder. Each time take 4 qian (12 g), add one large cup of water and 7 slices of Shengjiang (fresh ginger), and decoct to two-thirds, removing the dregs. Take warm before meals, twice daily.

This formula activates blood and resolves stasis, regulates menstruation and stops pain. It is indicated for women with constrained emotions, blood stasis and qi stagnation, irregular menstruation, and pain in the heart and abdomen that may radiate to the waist and flanks or to the back and spine, with thrusting pain up and down. If the patient has vomiting or retching, add Banxia (pinellia) and Juhong (tangerine peel) each 5 qian (15 g).

Judging from the Jisheng Fang's introduction, this formula seems mainly to treat gynecologic diseases, relieving depression, menstrual irregularity, and dysmenorrhea in women. But a close reading of the symptom description suggests it is more likely aimed at abdominal pain due to liver and gallbladder disease, even with vomiting — symptoms very similar to those of hepatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, and pancreatitis.