Diuretic Formula for Ascites Due to Cirrhosis, May 26, 1989

Diuretic Formula for Ascites Due to Cirrhosis, May 26, 1989

Student Zhang Jiancheng wrote: For treating ascites due to cirrhosis, he used a formula recommended by Director Deng of TianShui People’s Hospital, consisting of the following ingredients: 45g of rou cong rong, 250g of qing fan, 200g of jujube flesh, 250g of xiang fu, and 375g of malt (a combination of large meat, green fragrance, and malt). The first three ingredients (large meat, green, and fragrance) are calcined in a sand pot until smoke emerges, then mixed with finely ground xiang fu and malt to form pills, taken once daily, 20 pills each time, washed down with yellow wine.

Mr. Zhang stated: After taking this formula, the patient experienced significant diuresis and complete resolution of ascites, without using any other diuretics—only intravenous albumin infusion.

Note: This formula primarily uses green vitriol (qing fan, zao fan, jiang fan), a mineral form of water green vitriol. It is sour and cold, affecting the liver and spleen; according to “Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao,” this herb has the effects of drying dampness and replenishing blood. It contains large amounts of ferrous sulfate, as well as copper, cobalt, magnesium, and zinc. Unlike gallium vitriol, it does not induce vomiting. Xiang fu regulates qi, jujubes tonify qi, and rou cong rong strengthens yang; together, these three herbs enhance qi and strengthen yang, thus achieving diuretic effects. The reason for water accumulation is often yang deficiency. Malt, on the other hand, focuses on aiding digestion and strengthening the spleen, since the spleen governs the transformation and transportation of water and dampness; when the spleen is healthy, water and food flow smoothly throughout the body.