Discussion on Treating Epilepsy with Traditional Chinese Medicine, October 21, 1996

Discussion on Treating Epilepsy with Traditional Chinese Medicine, October 21, 1996

Previously, I often treated this condition using Zhang’s Anti-Epilepsy Decoction: 7 g of Qingmengshi, 7 g of Haifushi, 2 g of Danningxing, 2 g of Fabanxia, 2 g of Chenxiang, 2 g of Erchou, 4 g of Shenqu, plus wheat flour equal in quantity to the total herbs, making 10–20 cakes, eating 1–2 each day. Later, I discovered that Taohong Siwu plus San Chong, Huangheteng Tian Sheng Da Chan, Baijin Lao Cha Yi Er San, and other formulas could also treat this condition. Recently, reviewing journals from various regions, I saw Liu’s Anti-Epilepsy Powder: Han Shuishi, Zishiyingshi, Chishizhi, Baishizhi, Sheng Gypsum, Sheng Longgu, Oyster Shell, Sheng Zhe Shi, Gui Zhi, Gouteng, Gan Jiang, Hua Shi, and Gan Cao.

Mnemonic: Seven stones, six branches, hook.

Tang’s Bingpeng Anti-Epilepsy Powder: 0.1 g of Borneol, 1.0 g of Borax, 0.3 g of Alum, 0.3 g of Sheng Zhe Shi, and 0.3 g of Qingmengshi constitute a single dose, taken twice daily. Black-and-white Erchou Pills treat epilepsy: 1.5 g each of black and white Erchou mixed with honey to make 6 g pills, taken twice daily. Shichangpu treats grand mal seizures; Baihuajiao treats epilepsy (some extract piperine from white pepper and call it “anti-epileptic essence”).

In summary, the anti-epileptic effect of white pepper is a recent discovery, while Erchou, Jiangcan, and other ingredients have long been used clinically. As for the anti-epileptic mixture composed of Qingmengshi, Alum, Borneol, Borax, and Sheng Zhe Shi, along with the anti-epileptic effect of Shichangpu, they can all be applied clinically. Based on this, I have formulated a new prescription: Danggui, Baishao, Chuanxiong, Sheng Dihuang, Tao Ren, Honghua, Jiangcan, Quanxie, Wugong, Erchou, Changpu, and Baihuajiao as a decoction, named “Anti-Epilepsy Compound.”