Ling Gui Zao Gan Tang for Treating Bronchial Asthma Combined with Allergic Colitis—September 16, 1995

Ling Gui Zao Gan Tang for Treating Bronchial Asthma Combined with Allergic Colitis—September 16, 1995

When asthma is accompanied by abdominal pain, abnormal bowel movements, tenesmus, sweating, pharyngeal obstruction during coughing, upward rushing qi, coldness in the abdomen, tenesmus, and pulsation around the navel, Ling Gui Zao Gan Tang can alleviate all these symptoms. Asthmatics tend to have dominant parasympathetic nervous tension, so increased gastrointestinal motility is inevitable, leading to abnormal bowel movements and tenesmus. Article 65 of Shang Han Lun states: "After sweating, if someone feels palpitations below the navel, indicating impending 'ben tun,' Fu Ling Gui Zhi Gan Cao Da Zao Tang is the primary treatment." Article 64 of Shang Han Lun says: "If someone sweats excessively and crosses their hands over their heart, feeling palpitations below the heart and wanting to be pressed, Gui Zhi Gan Cao Tang is the primary treatment." Both of these passages can be seen as manifestations of hyperactive cholinesterase activity. The function of Gui Zhi Fang is mainly to suppress this hyperactivity, so it can treat both asthma and abdominal pain. The concept of "reducing reverse flow and calming surging qi" originates from this. Thus, Gui Zhi Tang derives its name from its ability to reverse flow and calm surging qi.