Abstract: Today we will learn from Mr. Xu Xiaopu about the clinical experience of using Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla), Bu Guo Zhi (Psoralea Corylifolia), Xian Ling Pi (Epimedium), and Long Mu (Dragon Bone) in practice.
01
Fu Zi (Aconite)
Fu Zi, pungent, sweet, and very warm, enters the thirteen channels (the twelve channels plus the Governing Vessel). Its functions include dispelling cold from the exterior and interior, and eliminating water qi. It treats cold limbs, heaviness, joint pain, abdominal pain, nocturnal emissions, diarrhea, aversion to cold, and controls floating yang and deficiency heat.
If used with qi tonics, it can restore lost yang; with blood tonics, it can nourish insufficient true yin; with dispersing herbs, it can expel wind-cold from the exterior; and with warming interior herbs, it can eliminate cold-damp from the interior.
My late father indicated the use of Fu Zi for symptoms such as fatigue, pale complexion, cold limbs, soft pulse, moist tongue, clear and profuse urination, and loose stools. Upon observing one or two symptoms, he would apply it boldly.
He believed that when symptoms are present, one should apply it boldly to seek peace of mind. He often said: “Better to bend the pipe than to burn the head,” and “If the signs of yang deficiency are already apparent, changes occur rapidly. If one hesitates to use Fu Zi due to fear of its pungent heat, waiting until all signs of Shaoyin syndrome are present often leads to regret that cannot be remedied.”
Therefore, he applied Fu Zi widely in clinical practice, acting decisively and without hesitation, while ensuring that diagnosis was precise and clear.
As for Chuan Wu (Aconitum Carmichaelii), it belongs to the same category as Fu Zi, known for its ability to dispel cold and relieve pain, often used for cold-related abdominal pain and other ailments.
For example, in a case of a child with an external wind invasion, fever for four days, excessive sweating, cold limbs, pale complexion, irritability, aversion to cold, curled up posture, clear and profuse urination, white tongue coating, and a soft and rapid pulse, treatment was given to warm and resolve the muscles.
Medicinal ingredients: Chuan Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Bai Shao (White Peony), Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite), Duan Long Gu (Calcined Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger). After two doses, the fever subsided, limbs warmed, and all symptoms were resolved.
In another case, a child presented with a dense rash, red skin all over, slight fever with minimal sweating, white necrotic throat, soft and rapid pulse, having been ill for four days, with white tongue coating that had not transformed, and no thirst with clear urination. This indicated a deficiency of yang, having contracted a seasonal pathogen, and treatment was given accordingly.
Medicinal ingredients: Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Chao Fang Feng (Fried Siler), Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed), She Gan (Belamcanda), Ma Bo (Fungus), Chan Yi (Cicada Slough), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Gan Cao (Licorice), Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite).
In another case, a child with diphtheria for five days presented with white necrotic patches in the throat, swelling of both sides, gray-white complexion, cyanotic lips, profuse sweating, wheezing, hoarse voice, shortness of breath with flaring nostrils, cold limbs, irritability, white greasy tongue coating, and thin rapid pulse. This indicated an internal invasion of epidemic toxins, with heart yang not being vigorous, and floating yang wanting to escape. Urgent treatment was given to revive yang and rescue the reverse, supplemented with detoxifying and necrotic-removing herbs.
Medicinal ingredients: Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Long Chi (Dragon Teeth), Ren Zhong Bai (Human Zhong Bai), Ma Bo (Fungus), Gan Cao (Licorice). Additionally, a decoction of other herbs was used for oral administration.
After one dose, irritability and shortness of breath slightly decreased, sweating lessened, limbs gradually warmed, tongue coating slightly transformed, and pulse became slower. The previous formula was adjusted by adding She Gan and continuing with one more dose.
During the third examination, the white necrotic patches in the throat gradually disappeared, breathing stabilized, irritability calmed, and the child expressed hunger. The previous method was maintained, removing Long Chi and adding Yin Hua (Honeysuckle). After two doses, all symptoms were resolved, but the child remained pale, fatigued, and with spontaneous sweating, so Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) was given with modifications for follow-up.
In another case, a child presented with jaundice for five days, fatigue, poor appetite, cold limbs, white tongue, and soft pulse. Treatment was given to harmonize and warm the middle.
Medicinal ingredients: Yin Chen (Artemisia), Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Jiao Miao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Dang Gui (Angelica), Sha Ren (Amomum), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Chi Ling (Red Poria), Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), Bi Xie (Dioscorea). Additionally, a decoction of raw and cooked barley sprouts was used as water for the herbal decoction.
02
Rou Gui (Cinnamon)
Rou Gui, pungent, sweet, and very warm, enters the liver, kidney, and spleen channels. Its functions include warming the lower abdomen, strengthening yang, guiding fire back to its source, and dispelling cold to relieve pain.
My late father often used this herb to treat local deficiency-cold conditions in the lower jiao, such as diarrhea due to spleen and kidney yang deficiency, and milk toxicity.Additionally, this herb can assist bladder qi transformation and has the effect of warming and unblocking blood vessels, thus it is also used for conditions such as edema due to poor bladder qi transformation, damp-heat, and intestinal abscess due to blood stasis.
For example, in a case of a child with chronic diarrhea, pale and undigested stools, previous vomiting, occasional belching, fatigue, and excessive sleeping, with tears after crying, white tongue, and soft pulse, this indicated insufficient spleen yang, with fear of entering a chronic condition, treatment was given to warm the middle to achieve efficacy.
Medicinal ingredients: Shang An Gui (Superior Cinnamon), Pao Jiang Tan (Fried Ginger), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria), Huo Geng (Hops), Jiang Ban Xia (Dried Pinellia), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Long Chi (Dragon Teeth), Wei Yi Zhi Ren (Fried Alpinia Oxyphylla), Po Gu Zhi (Fried Psoralea), Fu Long Gan (Fried Dragon Liver).
In another case, a child with milk toxicity presented with sweating on the head, slow eye movement, fatigue, pale complexion, vomiting, and a weak and thin pulse. This indicated qi yang deficiency with cold yin qi rising, treatment was given to warm and descend the yang.
Medicinal ingredients: Shang An Gui (Superior Cinnamon), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root), Wei Yi Zhi Ren (Fried Alpinia Oxyphylla), Po Gu Zhi (Fried Psoralea), Huang Qi Pi (Astragalus Skin), Jiang Ban Xia (Dried Pinellia).
There was a case of a child with a contracted foot and intestinal abscess, experiencing severe pain, fever with sweating, constipation, and scant urination, thin white tongue, and rapid pulse. Concerned about the possibility of pus formation, a modified formula of Mu Dan Pi San (Peony Powder) was proposed.
Medicinal ingredients: Rou Gui Xin (Cinnamon Heart), Mu Dan Pi (Peony), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Tail), San Ling (Sparganium), E Zhu (Curcuma), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Ju Luo He (Tangerine Peel), Bai Jiao Cao (Herba Patrinia), Si Gua Luo (Luffa), Tao Ren (Peach Kernel). Additionally, a decoction of raw barley and winter melon seeds was used as water for the herbal decoction.
03
Yi Zhi Ren, Bu Guo Zhi, Xian Ling Pi
In addition to Fu Zi, my late father also practiced using this category of kidney-warming and yang-supporting herbs.
Among them, Yi Zhi Ren and Bu Guo Zhi function to warm the kidney and spleen, reduce urination, and stop diarrhea, thus they are often used for enuresis due to kidney yang instability and for cold-type diarrhea.
Xian Ling Pi functions to strengthen yang and promote urination, thus it is often used for conditions such as insufficient kidney yang leading to urinary difficulties and edema.
For example, in a case of a child with facial swelling, foot edema, and abdominal distension for three months, fatigue, irritability, and cold limbs, with clear and profuse urination, pale complexion, and soft pulse, this indicated yang deficiency with water qi rising, treated with the Zhen Wu method.
Medicinal ingredients: Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Shang An Gui (Superior Cinnamon), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite), Fu Ling (Poria), Jiao Miao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla), Hu Lu Ba (Fenugreek), Gan Cao (Licorice), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger).
In another case, a child presented with diarrhea followed by vomiting, fatigue, cold limbs, minimal tears, and a white tongue with a soft and rapid pulse, indicating heat not being strong, and qi yang already being deficient, with concern for entering a chronic condition.
Medicinal ingredients: Chuan Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Zhu Fu Ling (White Poria), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite), Jiang Ban Xia (Dried Pinellia), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Sha Ren (Amomum), Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), Wei Yi Zhi Ren (Fried Alpinia Oxyphylla), Po Gu Zhi (Fried Psoralea), Fu Long Gan (Fried Dragon Liver).
04
Long Gu, Mu Li, Ci Shi
Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), and Ci Shi (Magnetite) all have the effects of calming the liver, subduing yang, and stabilizing the spirit.
My late father often used this combination (especially with Long Chi and Ci Shi) to treat various conditions caused by excessive yang rising or internal wind movement, such as heat stroke, dizziness, insomnia, and convulsions. For those with qi yang deficiency, it was often used in conjunction with Fu Zi. However, the usage of these herbs varies.
Long Gu has a strong astringent effect, thus it is often added for chronic diarrhea and excessive sweating. Mu Li has the effect of nourishing yin and stopping sweating, thus it is often used for spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Ci Shi also has the effect of calming the qi, thus it is used for whooping cough and chronic cough.
For example, in a case of a child with fever for two periods, without sweating, thirst, and long urination, with no tears, and severe irritability, cold limbs, white tongue, and rapid pulse, indicating a complex condition of excess above and deficiency below.
Medicinal ingredients: Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Xiao Chuan Lian (Small Chuan Lian), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite), Sheng Long Chi (Fresh Dragon Teeth), Yin Chai Hu (Silver Chai Hu), Bai Wei (White Wei), Tian Hua Fen (Tian Hua Powder), Ge Fen (Ge Powder), Wei Yi Zhi Ren (Fried Alpinia Oxyphylla), Po Gu Zhi (Fried Psoralea), Dai Xin Qiao (Dai Xin Qiao), Xuan Shen Xin (Xuan Shen Heart), Lian Zi Xin (Lotus Seed Heart), Xian Chang Pu (Fresh Acorus).
In another case, a child with qi yang deficiency presented with dizziness, thin physique, cold limbs, and long urination, with difficulty in bowel movements, thin white tongue, and slow soft pulse, treated with warming and descending.
Medicinal ingredients: Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite), Sheng Long Chi (Fresh Dragon Teeth), Sheng Mu Li (Fresh Oyster Shell), Ming Tian Ma (Ming Tian Ma), Tong Bai Zhi (Tong Bai Zhi), Sha Ren (Amomum), Bai Dou Kou (White Cardamom), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Xiang Gu Ya (Xiang Gu Ya), Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame), Ban Liu Wan (Ban Liu Pill).
In another case, a child with a white coating on the tongue, profuse sweating, cough with difficulty, shortness of breath with flaring nostrils, pale complexion, cold limbs, white tongue, and soft slippery pulse, indicating qi yang collapse, requiring urgent treatment.
Medicinal ingredients: Bie Zhi Can (Bie Zhi Can), Huang Hou Fu Pian (Aconite), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Zhu Fu Shen (Zhu Fu Shen), Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed), Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root), Po Gu Zhi (Fried Psoralea), Yi Zhi Ren (Fried Alpinia Oxyphylla), Hei Xi Dan (Black Xi Dan). Note: This case is a severe pneumonia.
In another case, a child with whooping cough for over a month, experiencing daily episodes, severe vomiting, white tongue, and slippery pulse, indicating wind pathogen lingering in the lungs, with the lungs losing their ability to clear and regulate, treated with lung-clearing and phlegm-resolving herbs.
Medicinal ingredients: Xi Xin (Asarum), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Bai Xing Ren (White Apricot), Xiang Bei Mu (Xiang Bei Mu), Su Zi (Perilla), Ban Xia (Dried Pinellia), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Bai Bu (Bai Bu), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Huo Ci Shi (Activated Magnetite).
Note:Specific treatments and medications should follow medical advice!This article is excerpted from “Xu Xiaopu’s Medical Cases and Theories Collection,” edited by Lu Hongyuan and Xu Rongjuan,China Traditional Chinese Medicine Publishing House, published in February 2010. This public account is used for academic exchange only; if there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion, and please indicate the source when reprinting.
The cover image is sourced from Shetu Network.
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