bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Ephedra (Herba Ephedrae)
6gm (2 liǎng) Aconite Lateral Root (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata)
prepared, peeled, broken into eight pieces 9gm (1 piece) Asarum (Herba Asari)
6gm (2 liǎng) Take the three ingredients, boil Ephedra in one dou of water until it reduces by two sheng, remove the foam on top; add the other herbs, boil until three sheng remain, strain the dregs, and take one sheng warm, three times a day.
bubble_chart Efficacy
Warming meridians and releasing the external.
bubble_chart Indications
Yang deficiency external contraction exterior cold pattern. Severe aversion to cold, fever, somnolence, absence of sweating, and deep pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
This formula is used in the treatment of Shaoyin disease with Yang deficiency and exterior cold pattern in cold-damage disease. In the formula, Ephedra releases the exterior with its pungent-warm nature, dispersing the exterior and dissipating cold; Aconite Lateral Root warms the meridians and assists Yang, dissipating cold to relieve pain. Together, they serve as the sovereign medicinals. The combination of these two ingredients can boost Yang Qi, open and discharge the skin and hair, and expel pathogenic factors without the concern of damaging Yang due to sweating. Assisted by Asarum, which warms both the exterior and interior, it not only helps Ephedra in inducing sweating to release the exterior but also aids Aconite Lateral Root in warming the meridians and dissipating cold. Although the formula consists of only three ingredients, it effectively disperses the cold pathogenic factors contracted externally and replenishes the deficient Yang internally, achieving the function of assisting Yang and releasing the exterior.
bubble_chart Pattern Identification - aversion to cold is severe, fever is mild.
- The limbs are not warm.
- The tongue is pale with a white coating.
- The pulse is deep.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- Chest tightness: Add Salvia and Red Peony Root.
- Qi deficiency: Add Astragalus Root and Liquorice Root.
- Yang deficiency edema with external contraction of wind-cold: May combine with True Warrior Decoction.
- Stubborn headache: May combine with Cinnamon Twig Decoction.
bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications
The syndrome treated by this formula refers to yang deficiency with external contraction, not yang decline. If yang decline has already manifested as diarrhea with undigested food, even if there is external contraction, one must not induce sweating again, otherwise it may lead to reversal cold of the limbs and yang exhaustion.
bubble_chart Modern Application
This prescription promotes sweating, reduces fever, and strengthens the heart. It is used for upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, asthma, interstitial pneumonia, spontaneous pneumothorax, rheumatic heart disease, facial nerve paralysis, headache, arthritis, urinary tract stones, enuresis, nephritis, urinary retention, allergic rhinitis, optic atrophy, urticaria, and chronic pharyngitis.
