bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Ephedra (Herba Ephedrae)
de-noded 18gm (6 liǎng) Gypsum (Gypsum Fibrosum)
crushed 30gm (as big as an egg) bubble_chart Efficacy
Inducing sweating to release the exterior, while also clearing internal heat.
bubble_chart Indications
External contraction wind-cold exterior excess with internal heat pattern. Fever and chills, both severe, body pain, no sweating with dysphoria, thin white tongue coating, and floating tight pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
This formula is Ephedra Decoction with the addition of Gypsum, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, and Chinese Date, used to treat greater yang cold damage pattern accompanied by dysphoria due to internal heat pattern. In the formula, Ephedra Decoction heavily employs Ephedra and adds Fresh Ginger Rhizome to release the exterior with pungent-warm properties, dispersing the external excess pathogens; Gypsum, with its pungent-cold nature, clears internal heat; Chinese Date harmonizes the middle and nourishes the source of sweat. It is a formula that releases both the internal and external. The name "Dyers Woad Dragon" comes from the image of the dragon ascending and rain descending after taking the medicine, where the stagnant heat is suddenly dispelled, hence the name.
bubble_chart Pattern Identification
- fever and chills.
- absence of sweating with dysphoria.
- tongue coating white and thin.
- floating and tight pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- headache and body pain: add Sichuan Lovage Rhizome、Dahurian Angelica。
- severe thirst: add smallpox。
- sore throat: add Bamboo Leaf、Reed Rhizome、common andrographis herb、Belamcanda Rhizome、Platycodon Root。
- severe cough: add Mulberry Leaf、Platycodon Root、Coltsfoot Flower。
bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications
If profuse sweating occurs after taking the medication, it should not be taken again.
bubble_chart Modern Application
This formula promotes sweating to reduce fever, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and enhances lung ventilation. It is used for common cold, influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis, measles, rubella, urticaria, acute nephritis, conjunctivitis, arthritis, erysipelas, itchy skin, meningitis, and other conditions.
