bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage

Take the above three ingredients, boil in 600 milliliters (three sheng) of water until reduced to 240 milliliters (one sheng and two ge), remove the dregs, and divide into two doses to be taken warm. For strong individuals, one piece of Aconite Lateral Root and 9 grams (three liang) of Dried Ginger can be used. If vomiting occurs after taking the Cold-Extremities Decoction, it indicates rejection of the medicine, and it can be taken cold instead.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Warming the meridians to dispel cold, restoring yang to save from collapse.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Deficiency and decline of yang qi, internal exuberance of pudendal coldness, reversal cold of limbs, aversion to cold and curling up in bed, mental fatigue and desire to sleep, diarrhea with undigested food, cold pain in the abdomen, bland taste in the mouth without thirst, pale tongue with white coating, deep and faint pulse.
2. Due to mistaken sweating or great dripping sweating leading to critical condition of yang exhaustion, this formula is especially suitable for urgent use.

bubble_chart Formula Principles

This formula is named for its ability to reverse cold limbs, and is also known as the Reversal Decoction. In the formula, Aconite Lateral Root has a highly hot nature, which excites the nerves, stimulates cells, increases body temperature, and strengthens all bodily functions; Dried Ginger is also a hot herb, warming the middle and dispelling cold, expelling yin and restoring yang, complementing Aconite Lateral Root to enhance each other's effects; Liquorice Root internally tonifies middle deficiency, externally harmonizes nutrient-defense, and has the effects of alleviating urgency, relieving pain, and stopping diarrhea. Although the formula consists of only three ingredients, it can exert the great power of expelling cold and rescuing from collapse. If the amount of Dried Ginger in this formula is doubled, it is called Vessel-Unblocking Cold-Extremities Decoction, used for cases where the symptoms of this formula are more severe.

bubble_chart Pattern Identification

1. Cold limbs (yin pathogen).
2. Diarrhea with undigested food.
3. Bland taste in mouth, not thirsty.
4. Deep and faint pulse.
5. Profuse sweating leading to yang exhaustion.

bubble_chart Formula Modification

1. Cold-type abdominal pain: add Cinnamon Twig and Peony Root.
2. Wind-dampness arthralgia: add Cinnamon Twig and White Atractylodes Rhizome.
3. Chronic heart failure: add Ginseng.
4. Deficiency-cold type edema or leucorrhea: add Tangshen, Poria, and Alisma.
5. Palpitation with severe edema: add Ginseng and Poria.
6. Facial redness and dysphoria due to cold: add Ginseng and Fistular Onion Stalk.
7. Severe cold limbs: add Asarum and Cinnamon Twig.

bubble_chart Modern Application

This formula strengthens the heart and counteracts shock. It is used for acute gastroenteritis, profuse sweating after sexually transmitted diseases, myocardial infarction, shock, acute heart failure, typhoid fever, cholera, diarrhea, autointoxication, yin jaundice, collapse sweating, and yin pattern edema.