2. Jie Mao Qibao Yin from "Yangshi Jiacang Fang"

2. Jie Mao Qibao Yin from "Yangshi Jiacang Fang"

[Composition] Changshan 3 grams, magnolia bark, green peel, dried orange peel, prepared licorice, areca nut, and cardamom seeds each 1.5 grams.

[Administration] During decoction, use equal parts wine and water; increase the amount of wine for more cold conditions and the amount of water for more heat. After decocting, let it sit overnight and take it on an empty stomach while cold. Modern usage: after decocting, add a small amount of wine and take it two hours before a malaria attack.

[Indications] Malaria.

[Symptoms] Predominantly phlegm-damp, frequent malaria attacks, and a slippery, floating pulse at the cun position.

[Functions] Dispel phlegm and dry dampness.

[Formula Analysis] Ancient texts say, "No phlegm, no malaria," indicating a close relationship between phlegm and the formation of malaria. Changshan is specifically used to dispel phlegm and dry dampness, making it the primary agent in this formula. Cardamom and areca nut promote qi and dispel impurities, aiming to open up the blocked channels where phlegm and dampness accumulate, working in conjunction with Changshan to enhance its phlegm-dispelling and damp-drying effects, thus serving as supporting agents. Phlegm and dampness originate in the spleen and stomach; magnolia bark, green peel, and dried orange peel all have the effect of strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, and eliminating phlegm, making them complementary agents. Licorice harmonizes all the herbs and serves as a guiding agent.

[Clinical Modifications]

① If there is severe chills, add cinnamon twig; if there is severe vomiting, add pinellia and fresh ginger.

[References]

① Changshan can induce vomiting of old phlegm accumulation, areca nut can help eliminate food-related phlegm clumps, cardamom can remove phlegm from the Taiyin diet, dried orange peel promotes qi, magnolia bark calms the stomach, and green peel clears the liver—all of these are agents that disperse and scatter phlegm. Adding licorice to the stomach further assists Changshan in expelling malaria-related phlegm. (From "Yifang Jijie")

② According to modern pharmacological experiments, alcohol is an excellent solvent, and the active ingredients of Changshan and other malaria-dispelling herbs dissolve more easily in water when mixed with alcohol. (From "Clinical Handbook of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas," Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

[Commentary] This formula contains many pungent, drying, and qi-moving herbs, so individuals with weak middle qi or internal excess fire should avoid using it.