Empirical Formula ⁽¹⁶⁶⁾

The Chinese Materia Medica Dictionary (Zhongyao Da Cidian) records an empirical formula for diaphragmatic spasm (hiccups). Its composition is: Cimicifugae Rhizoma (shengma), Bupleuri Radix (chaihu), and Aurantii Fructus (zhike), equal parts, ground together into a fine powder. Take 4 g each time, washed down with…

Mahuang Gancao Tang comes from the Shanghan Zongbing Lun. Its composition is: Mahuang (Ephedra), Xingren (Apricot kernel), Sangbaipi (Morus root bark), and Gancao (Licorice), each 2.5 qian (7.5 g). Decoct in water: use 600 ml of water and decoct down to about 200 ml. One…

Kaiyu San (Stagnation-Resolving Powder) comes from Dongtian Aozhi, the work of the great Qing-diameter surgery specialist Chen Shiduo. Its composition is: Baishao (White Peony Root) 5 qian (15 g); Danggui (Angelica Root) 2 qian (6 g); Baijiezi (White Mustard Seed) 3 qian (9 g); Chaihu…

The Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) contains a plaster formula named Hualiu Gao (Nodule-Resolving Plaster). Its composition is: fan-shi (alunite/ alum stone), chuanxiong (Sichuan lovage rhizome), danggui (angelica root), dahuang (rhubarb), huanglian (coptis), chishao (red peony root), bailian (ampelopsis root) and huangqin…

The Shiyi Dexiao Fang (Effective Prescriptions [Handed Down] by Physicians) records a single-substance formula for treating urinary and fecal retention: take one scallion bulb (with root and soil, unwashed), one piece of ginger, 21 light fermented soybeans (dan douchi), and one liang of salt (30…

Shugan Sanyu Tang comes from Dan Tai Yu An (Jade Table of the Cinnabar Terrace) by the Ming physician Sun Wenyin. It consists of Danggui (angelica), Honghua (safflower), Sumu (sappanwood), Qingpi (green tangerine peel), and Chaihu (bupleurum) each 1 qian (3 g), Shanzha (hawthorn) 2…

Kuaiwei Shugan Wan comes from Selected Formulas of Beijing Chinese Patent Medicines. It consists of Pianjianghuang (curcuma zedoaria slices) 48 g, Wuyao (lindera) 96 g, Baishao (white peony) 120 g, Houpo (magnolia bark, processed) 480 g, Jupi (tangerine peel) 120 g, Chenxiang (aquilaria/agarwood) 90 g,…

Dr. Pu Fuzhou had an empirical formula for rapid pain relief called 'Sansheng Qutong Fang' (Three-Raw Pain-Dispelling Formula). It consists of equal parts raw Wutou (Aconiti Radix; Caowu/Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix may also be used), raw Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) and raw Baifuzi (Typhonii Rhizoma). Preparation: grind…

I often encounter patients whose postoperative incisions heal poorly, whose surface tumor skin ulcerates and heals poorly, or who have gastric bleeding. I treat them with one of my own empirical formulas, with good results. I now introduce this formula to other patients. The formula…

In Lan Shi Mi Cang (Secrets from the Orchid Chamber), there is an empirical formula of Li Dongyuan for treating urinary retention called Zishen Tongguan Wan (Kidney-Nourishing Passage-Restoring Pill). It is composed of Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex, peeled) 1 liang (30g), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, washed in…