'Yannian Duanhan Tang': A Yang-Supporting, Sweat-Stopping Decoction

Yannian Duanhan Tang (Longevity Sweat-Stopping Decoction) comes from the Weishi Jiyaofang (Mr. Wei's Family Prescriptions). It is composed of equal parts: Huangqi (honey-fried Astragalus), Renshen (Ginseng), Fuling (Poria), Baishao (White Peony), Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), Zhi Gancao (honey-fried Licorice), and Muli Fen (Oyster Shell Powder). Grind the herbs into coarse powder. Each dose is 3 qian (9 g), taken with one small cup of water (about 240 ml), to which 3 slices of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), 1 Dazao (Jujube), and 1 Wumei (Smoked Plum) are added; decoct to two-thirds of a cup (about 180 ml), strain, and take warm before meals, three times daily.

This formula assists yang and boosts qi, secures the exterior and astringes sweat. It is indicated for yang-qi deficiency with an insecure exterior defense, presenting spontaneous sweating and aversion to wind. Note that such patients typically have clear, abundant urine and a non-dry mouth; if the patient has scanty, dark urine and a dry mouth and tongue, this formula is not suitable.

This formula is actually a modification of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction): Rougui, Baishao, Zhi Gancao, Shengjiang, and Dazao are the components of Guizhi Tang, one indication of which is spontaneous sweating due to yang deficiency. On that base, this formula adds Huangqi and Renshen to supplement qi and secure the exterior, Fuling to fortify the spleen and leach dampness, and Muli to astringe yin and stop sweat; hence its deficiency-supplementing and sweat-stopping power is stronger than that of Guizhi Tang.

This formula suits weak patients with profuse deficient sweating, often due to long-term consumption by chronic diseases (such as malignancy or diabetes). Some patients, after a viral or bacterial infection that has not fully resolved and has left a sequela (such as viral myocarditis), also present weakness and incessant spontaneous sweating; they too may be treated with this formula.

Today one may also decoct prepared slices directly. A modern dose is: Zhi Huangqi (honey-fried Astragalus) 6 g, Renshen (or Dangshen, Codonopsis) 6 g, Fuling 6 g, Baishao 6 g, Rougui (or Guizhi, Cassia Twig) 6 g, Zhi Gancao 6 g, Sheng Muli (raw Oyster Shell) 6 g (decocted first). For profuse sweating, add Mahuanggen (Ephedra Root) 6 g, Nuodaogen (Glutinous Rice Root) 6 g, Fuxiaomai (light wheat) 15-30 g. For severe aversion to cold, add Fuzi (Aconite) 6 g, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 3-6 g. For stiff, uncomfortable nape and back, add Gegen (Kudzu Root) 10-15 g. For headache, add Manjingzi (Vitex Fruit) 6-15 g, Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) 6 g, Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica) 6 g.