Today, I would like to introduce an ancient formula that can support Zheng Qi (Vital Energy), expel Xie Qi (Evil Qi), strengthen the Spleen Qi, and nourish the Lung Qi. It is particularly effective in dispelling wind, scattering cold, and eliminating dampness, making it suitable for the treatment of various skin diseases.
Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng Decoction to Overcome Pathogenic Factors)
【Source】“Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang” Volume 2【Indications】Febrile diseases, headache, stiff neck, high fever with chills, body aches, cough due to cold obstruction, nasal congestion with a heavy voice, wind-phlegm headache, vomiting with alternating chills and fever.【Composition】Qiang Huo (Notopterygium) 6g, Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) 6g, Qian Hu (Peucedanum) 6g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 6g, Gan Cao (Licorice) 6g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 6g, Fu Ling (Poria) 9g, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 6g, Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange) 6g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) 6g.【Dosage】Each dose is 6g, boiled with 150ml of water, adding a small amount of fresh ginger and mint, and simmer until 100ml remains. Strain and take at any time. If cold symptoms are predominant, take hot; if heat symptoms are predominant, take warm.Fresh ginger warms the stomach and dispels cold while warming the lungs, and mint disperses wind and clears heat, promoting sweating. The use of these two herbs allows the other ingredients in the formula to reach the affected area directly.Mint and Qian Hu promote sweating, while Ren Shen encourages sweating, providing a pathway for the expulsion of toxins.
Ren Shen Bai Du San is Effective for Treating Skin Diseases
01. Treatment of Eczema:Ren Shen Bai Du San can dispel wind and eliminate dampness, strengthen the Spleen and benefit Qi, thereby alleviating symptoms such as itching and redness by clearing internal dampness and wind.
02. Treatment of Urticaria: This formula can dispel wind and eliminate dampness, regulate the immune system, help relieve itching and swelling, and enhance the body’s immunity, reducing the occurrence of urticaria.
03. Dermatitis: The herbs in Ren Shen Bai Du San, such as Huang Qin (Scutellaria), have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, which can reduce the inflammatory response of the skin, while its cooling and itching-relieving properties also help alleviate the itching associated with dermatitis.
04. Psoriasis: Ren Shen Bai Du San dispels wind and eliminates dampness, tonifies Qi, and releases the exterior, which can regulate the patient’s Qi and blood and immune function, thereby alleviating the skin lesions and itching associated with psoriasis. Ren Shen Bai Du San may also have therapeutic effects on other skin diseases caused by wind, dampness, and heat toxins.
05. Acne: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, characterized clinically by comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, and scars, and is also considered a manifestation of heat accumulation in TCM. It generally presents with a sallow complexion, dry mouth, a preference for less water, constipation, occasional insomnia, a pale red tongue, and a white or greasy coating; skin rashes may include small papules, a few pustules, and light red spots. When using this formula, it is often tailored to the symptoms.
06. Shingles: Shingles is a viral skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, affecting the nerves and skin. In TCM, shingles is primarily attributed to liver Qi stagnation, and Ren Shen Bai Du San can both release the exterior and soothe the liver to regulate Qi.
Of course, every medication has its indications and contraindications. When using Ren Shen Bai Du San, it is essential to strictly follow medical advice, paying attention to the compatibility and dosage of the herbs. Additionally, special attention should be given to certain populations, such as those with allergies or pregnant women.
