By Luo Huachang, TCM Practitioner
Ancient TCM emphasizes prevention to ensure public health.
In the cold winter months, cases of cold-induced febrile diseases often occur. When the body is inadvertently invaded by cold pathogens, typical symptoms such as severe headaches and body aches may arise. For those with strong constitutions, the conventional method of using Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) to induce sweating and expel cold may be effective, but for individuals with pre-existing Qi deficiency, a different approach is necessary.
This formula is specifically designed for winter colds in individuals with insufficient Qi. It includes Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) 15g, Fang Feng (Siler) 15g, Wu Tou (Aconite) 6g (to be decocted first), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 12g, Fu Ling (Poria) 15g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 30g, and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 6g.
Effects: Strengthens the body, expels pathogens, warms the meridians, disperses cold, strengthens the spleen, eliminates dampness, and greatly replenishes Qi. This formula can dispel cold and wind pathogens while enhancing spleen and stomach function, transforming water and dampness, and replenishing the body’s Qi, allowing the body to maintain an advantage in the battle against pathogens, achieving the goal of expelling pathogens without harming the body’s defenses, and supporting the body to assist in expelling pathogens.
Symptoms: Winter cold: External pathogenic disease caused by exposure to cold in winter, characterized by severe headaches, body aches, and joint pain that worsens with cold.
Qi deficiency with external cold invasion: Patients typically exhibit pale or sallow complexion, fatigue, shortness of breath, and are prone to colds. After being infected by cold pathogens, in addition to the aforementioned cold symptoms, they also experience extreme weakness, with a slow and weak pulse in the wrist.
Now, let me explain in detail why the above formula is necessary. In winter, if one accidentally contracts a cold, they often feel severe headaches and body aches. Normally, using Ma Huang Tang to induce sweating and expel cold is a suitable conventional treatment. However, if the person is already weak, upon checking their pulse, you will find it to be slow and weak. In this case, even if the symptoms appear to be typical of a Tai Yang cold pattern, one should not hastily use Ma Huang Tang to induce sweating.
Some may think that using Jian Zhong Tang (Middle-Strength Decoction) for adjustment is better. It is like a city with weak walls, poorly equipped soldiers, and little food in the granary; it seems more prudent to defend than to attack. Jian Zhong Tang primarily nourishes the body, replenishing the righteous Qi, allowing the body to recover slowly, akin to reinforcing defenses and stockpiling supplies within the city, but it lacks the proactive power to expel pathogens. Moreover, it is as if many bandits are surrounding the city, and there are spies causing trouble inside; relying solely on Jian Zhong Tang makes it difficult to clear out all the pathogens.
In essence, this condition is still a Tai Yang pattern of injury to the nutritive Qi. If we do not use Ma Huang Tang, it feels like something is missing, and it is not a complete treatment. So what should we do? We can adjust the medication based on the original idea, replacing Ma Huang with Su Ye, and adding Fang Feng. Su Ye (15g) has a fragrant aroma and possesses the ability to release the exterior and disperse cold, helping the body expel external cold pathogens, like opening a pathway for the cold to exit. Fang Feng (15g) excels at dispelling wind and releasing the exterior; together with Su Ye, they can enhance the power to expel wind and cold, allowing the external pathogens to be expelled smoothly.
As for Ren Shen (30g), it is the key ingredient in this formula, greatly replenishing Qi, providing a solid backing for the body in its battle against pathogens, ensuring that the body has enough strength to support the entire process of combating the disease. Bai Zhu (12g) strengthens the spleen and dries dampness, enhancing the body’s ability to transform water and dampness, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of dampness accumulation. Fu Ling (15g) promotes urination and drains dampness, guiding internal dampness downward and expelling it from the body, preventing dampness from accumulating and affecting the normal flow of Qi and blood. Zhi Gan Cao (6g) harmonizes the various herbs, ensuring that they work together harmoniously and effectively without conflict, collectively aiding in the treatment of the condition.
When decocting the herbs, attention to detail is also important. Wu Tou should be decocted separately with sufficient water for one hour to reduce its toxicity, then add Su Ye, Fang Feng, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Ren Shen, and Zhi Gan Cao with an appropriate amount of water, generally enough to cover the herbs by about two finger widths. First, bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 40 minutes. The decoction should be divided into two bowls, to be taken morning and evening.
When taking this medicine, it is also necessary to adjust according to the patient’s specific condition. If the patient is quite weak and experiences slight discomfort or palpitations after taking the medicine, the dosage of Wu Tou should be reduced, or the patient’s response should be closely monitored before making further medication decisions. If the patient shows no reaction after taking the medicine, neither sweating nor any significant changes in the body, the dosage of Fang Feng or Su Ye can be slightly increased to enhance the power of expelling wind and dispersing cold, while also covering the patient with more blankets to help induce slight sweating, facilitating the expulsion of pathogens.
This formula is specifically designed for patients with winter colds and Qi deficiency. When using it, careful observation of the patient’s condition is essential, and the dosage and method of administration should be adjusted according to the patient’s response. Only by doing so can this formula achieve the best results and assist the patient in recovering health as quickly as possible.
Finally, I hope friends will also pay attention to the WeChat public accounts “Xing Ren Xian Dao” and “Hua Kang TCM Clinic”, which contain equally wonderful content!
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