Four Prescriptions by Dr. Gu Bohua, June 20, 1993

Four Prescriptions by Dr. Gu Bohua, June 20, 1993

1. Formula for treating osteomyelitis: Dang Gui, Chi Shao, Dan Shen, Dang Shen, Huangqi, pangolin scales, Zaoguo Ci, Ren Dong Teng, Tu Fu Ling, Han Fang Ji, Cangzhu, Huang Bo, Niu Xi, Sheng Yi Ren, Zi Hua Di Ding, Pu Gong Ying, Ban Zhi Lian, and Chong Lou. Decocted in water and taken once daily.

This formula contains four substances, Baoyuan, Wumeizi, Simiao, pangolin scales, Zaoguo Ci, Ren Dong Teng, Tu Fu Ling, Han Fang Ji, and the last three drugs’ heat-clearing and dampness-draining effects are particularly prominent, with large dosages. Reflection: Dang Gui, Chi Shao, and Dan Shen are the foundation for treating such conditions, while Simiao, Tu Fu Ling, Han Fang Ji, and Ren Dong Teng are the main drugs for treating damp-heat infiltration; deep-seated inflammation cannot reach the affected area without pangolin scales and Zaoguo Ci; and Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin is the ultimate product for clearing heat and detoxifying.

2. Formula for treating Behçet’s syndrome: 10 g of Da Huang, 5 g of Huang Lian, 10 g of Huang Bo, 30 g of raw gypsum, 10 g of Zhi Mu, 6 g of Gan Cao, 30 g of Sheng Di Huang, 10 yuan of Xuan Shen, 10 g of Shihu, 10 g of Bi Xie, 10 g of Ze Xie, 30 g of Sheng Yi Ren, 20 g of Jin Yin Hua, and 20 g of Lian Qiao. This formula is very similar to the prescriptions I use for treating this disease, so it can be renamed “Three Tigers Increase Liquid Soup,” with the three elements being the “Three Yellow” heart-clearing soup. “Tiger” refers to the white tiger, and “increase” refers to the liquid soup (with Maidong replaced by Shihu).

3. Formula for treating systemic lupus erythematosus: Dr. Gu uses the “Increase Liquid Soup” combined with 30 g of Hu Zhang, 15 g of Yin Yang Huo, 12 g of Tu Si Zi, 12 g of Tu Fu Ling, 30 g of Strawberry Root, 15 g of Mo Han Lian, and 10 g of Xu Duan, calling it “Kela Wolf Soup.” For ease of memorization, this formula can be called “Three Livestock Increase Liquid Intestine Soup.” The dosages of Hu Zhang, Tu Fu Ling, and Strawberry Root are relatively high, with obvious sedimentation effects. According to a health report, a doctor treating lupus erythematosus used “Double Tiger Dan,” claiming it was miraculously effective, though the composition was said to consist of only two ingredients. But what were those ingredients? Not specified. After analyzing the “Double Tiger” in this formula, there’s no doubt that one is Hu Zhang, and the other might be the white tiger’s raw gypsum. Raw gypsum is the main sedimentation drug, and a renowned Northeastern doctor, Li Xuezhong, once told me that boiling raw gypsum in a test tube also produces sedimentation. Mnemonic: “Three Livestock Increase Liquid Intestine Grass, Hu Zhang, Yin Yang Huo, and Tu Si Zi are the three livestock, and ‘intestine’ refers to the intestinal tract (another name for Mo Han Lian).”

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4. Treatment formula for polymyositis: The cause of this disease is unknown and it is currently classified as a connective tissue disease. Clinically, it manifests as generalized muscle soreness and heaviness, affecting muscles in the limbs, lower back, and chest. In addition to muscle soreness, patients may also experience fever, rash, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and other symptoms. This condition is characterized by an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a slow onset; Western medicine often uses corticosteroids for treatment. A major clinical feature is an increased 24-hour urinary creatinine level. In some cases, lupus cells can be found. Professor Gu Bohua has achieved therapeutic effects by employing a method that dispels wind and eliminates dampness. Commonly used herbs include Polygonum cuspidatum, Smilax glabra, Clematis armandii, Gentiana macrophylla, Taxillus chinensis, Millettia reticulata, Codonopsis pilosula, Dioscorea opposita, Paeonia lactiflora (red and white), Stephania tetrandra, and Epimedium. Mnemonic: "Stephania, Epimedium, Paeonia, Millettia, and Dioscorea."