Source: Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians (1345)
Category: Formulas that Drain Downward
Pattern: Constipation due to Qi stagnation
Key Symptoms: Constipation
Ingredients
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Chen Pi
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Pinyin: Chen Pi
Chinese: 陈皮
Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
Taxonomy: Citrus spp.
English: Aged Tangerine Peel |
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Tastes: Pungent, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Spleen and Lung |
Actions & Indications:
- Regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle and relieves the diaphragm
Spleen/Stomach Qi Stagnation with epigastric or abdominal distention, fullness, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting
Relieves the symptoms of Gu Sydnrome while suppressing parasites (Fruehauf, 1998)
Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 2015)
- Dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm
Phlegm-Damp Obstructs the Lung with coughing, a stifling sensation in the chest and/or diaphragm and copious, viscous sputum
Turbid Damp Obstructs the Middle with a stifling sensation in the chest, abdominal distention, anorexia, fatigue, loose stools and a thick, greasy tongue coat
- Helps prevent Stagnation from tonic herbs
Tonic herbs causing Stagnation
- Descends Qi
Qi Rebellion
- Aids fasting
Mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as part of the superior class of herbs which can, with protracted taking, remove foul breath, precipitate the Qi, and enable one to
communicate with spirits. This may suggest it was part of supplementing the diet when engaging in an "avoiding grain" (Bigu 辟穀) fasting regime to cultivate life (Yangsheng 養生).
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
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Xing Ren
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Pinyin: Xing Ren
Chinese: 杏仁
Pharmaceutical: Semen armeniacae
Taxonomy: Prunus armeniaca seu mandshurica seu sibirica
English: Bitter Apricot Kernel |
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Tastes: Bitter, slightly warm, slightly toxic
Meridians Entered: Lung and Large Intestine |
Actions & Indications:
- Stops coughing and calms wheezing
Coughs due to either Heat or Cold (depending on combination) Wind-Dry coughs (especially useful)
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
Constipation
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Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It should not be overused for its slight toxicity. It should be used with cautions for infants and patients with diarrhea. |
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Preparation: Equal amounts are ground into powder and formed into pills with honey.
Actions: Moistens the intestines and regulates Qi
Research Links:
Reference Notes: (click to display)
Most formulas are found in Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet (2009): Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies and Chen & Chen (2015) Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications. Others are from translations of primary sources. It is recommended that the original material is cross-referenced for mistakes and additional information.
Substitutions have been taken from Ken Lloyd & Prof. Leung (2004): Mayway UK Substitution List or the above publications and are intended as suggestions to help navigate the tight restrictions in the UK quickly. More applicable substitutions may be appropriate in specific situations.
Individual herb information has initially been sourced from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted.
