All diseases arise from cold. Recently, with the rainy and overcast weather, the temperature is dropping, and the responsibility of dispelling cold has come. We all know that the body is most afraid of cold; it can cause pain and form various pathogenic factors, such as dampness, cysts, and tumors. Cold also signifies a lack of vitality in the body. Nowadays, due to lifestyle habits, many people suffer from internal cold. Therefore, in the cold winter, it is essential to pay attention to preventing and dispelling cold to warm our bodies.
So why do we say that all diseases arise from cold? First, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the causes of diseases can be categorized into two types: Yin diseases and Yang diseases. In the theory of Yin and Yang, diseases are simply the pathogenic factors of cold and heat. Therefore, no matter how systematically or complexly Western medicine categorizes diseases, they ultimately stem from the imbalance of Yin and Yang caused by these cold and heat pathogens. What causes cold symptoms? TCM believes that cold symptoms are caused by cold weather, consuming raw and cold foods and drinks, getting rained on, and taking cold showers, which allow cold pathogens to enter the body, leading to weakened Yang Qi and resulting in cold in the five organs. Clinically, this often manifests as pale complexion, fear of cold, preference for warmth, cold limbs, lack of thirst, frequent urination, loose stools, pale tongue, white coating, teeth marks on the tongue, and a deep, slow, and weak pulse.
How can we alleviate this situation? Today, Teacher Shen shares with everyone a warming Yang formula that sweeps away cold from the five organs. This formula is the Li Zhong Tang (理中汤), attributed to Zhang Zhongjing, from the “Shang Han Lun” (伤寒论).
Li Zhong Tang consists of four herbs: Gan Jiang (干姜), Bai Zhu (白术), Ren Shen (人参), and Gan Cao (甘草).
First, we add Gan Jiang, which is very pungent and warm in nature. It can warm the middle, dispel cold, restore Yang, and warm the lungs to transform phlegm. It is effective in removing internal cold from the organs and is commonly used for abdominal cold pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Next, we add Bai Zhu, which is bitter and sweet, and warm in nature. It has the functions of tonifying Qi, strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, promoting urination, and stabilizing the exterior to stop sweating. It helps restore the spleen and stomach’s function of transformation and transportation, commonly used for spleen Qi deficiency, excessive dampness, poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal distension, and fatigue.
Then we add Ren Shen, known as the premier Qi tonic, which greatly replenishes Yuan Qi, strengthens the spleen and lungs, generates fluids, quenches thirst, calms the mind, and enhances intelligence. Ren Shen is often used in formulas to replenish spleen Qi.
Finally, we add Gan Cao, which is sweet and neutral, entering the heart, lungs, spleen, and stomach channels. It has the functions of tonifying the spleen and stomach, clearing heat and detoxifying, and resolving phlegm and stopping cough. Moreover, Gan Cao has a mild nature, harmonizing the other herbs.
In summary, the combination of these four herbs provides warming and tonifying effects, tonifying Qi and strengthening the spleen, and dispelling cold from the middle, which can treat various cold syndromes. Of course, to enhance the lasting effect of the formula, it can also be made into pills. However, it should be noted that this formula primarily warms Yang, so it should not be used by those with Yin deficiency and internal heat or damp-heat accumulation.
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