The Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun) originates from the Eastern Han Dynasty, authored by Zhang Ji (also known as Zhong Jing). This text is selected from the Ming Dynasty edition of the Complete Works of Zhong Jing, printed by Zhao Kai Mei. The article numbers following the original text were added by later medical scholars for ease of study, following the order of the original text. A total of 195 articles are selected, of which 110 must be memorized and 85 must be thoroughly read.The accompanying formulas and verses reference the Song of Decoction (Tang Tou Ge Jue), the Changsha Formula Song (Changsha Fang Ge Kua), and some lecture notes on formulas, with certain phrases modified for ease of recitation.
The Treatise on Cold Damage
Contraindications for Gui Zhi Decoction
Anyone who vomits after taking Gui Zhi Decoction will subsequently vomit pus and blood. (19)
【Analysis】Article 19 discusses the contraindication of Gui Zhi Decoction in cases of excess Yang heat. Zhong Jing indicates that “one will subsequently vomit pus and blood” to show that those with internal heat should avoid Gui Zhi Decoction. Although this article does not explicitly state the contraindication for Gui Zhi Decoction, the observation of “vomiting pus and blood” after taking it suggests that those with internal heat accumulation suffering from Tai Yang wind syndrome should use caution with Gui Zhi Decoction. As a warming herb, its use may exacerbate the pathogenic heat, injure the blood vessels, and lead to the corruption of flesh into pus, resulting in the vomiting of pus and blood. This article emphasizes that those with excessive internal heat should avoid Gui Zhi Decoction; the word “must” in the article is merely a predictive term, not an absolute outcome. Whether one vomits pus and blood after taking Gui Zhi Decoction should be viewed flexibly.
Editor: Liu Yan Ning
First Review: Xiang Wei
Second Review: Liu Yi Wei
Third Review: Wang Qi Xian
