All diseases arise from cold. As the weather gets cooler, the responsibility of dispelling cold also comes. We all know that the body is most afraid of cold; it can cause pain and form various yin evils, 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 cold weather, 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 classified into two types: yin diseases and yang diseases. In the theory of yin and yang, diseases are simply the result of cold and heat evils. Therefore, no matter how systematically or complexly Western medicine categorizes diseases, they ultimately stem from the cold and heat evils that disrupt the balance of yin and yang in the body. What causes cold symptoms? TCM believes that cold symptoms are caused by cold weather, consuming raw and cold foods and drinks, getting caught in the rain, and taking cold showers, which allow cold evils to enter the body, leading to a deficiency of 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 will share with you the first formula for warming yang, which sweeps away cold from the five organs, allowing all cold qi to disperse. This formula is Zhang Zhongjing’s Li Zhong Tang, from the Shang Han Lun.
Li Zhong Tang consists of four herbs: Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Ren Shen (Ginseng), and Gan Cao (Licorice).
First, we add Gan Jiang, which is very pungent and hot in nature. It can warm the middle, disperse cold, revive yang and restore pulse, and warm the lungs to transform phlegm. It can eliminate cold from the internal organs and is commonly used for cold pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Next, we add Bai Zhu, which is bitter and sweet, and warm in nature. It has the effects of tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, promoting urination, and stabilizing the exterior to stop sweating. It can help restore the function of the spleen and stomach and is commonly used to treat 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 has the effects of greatly tonifying original qi, strengthening the spleen and lungs, generating fluids, quenching thirst, calming the mind, and enhancing intelligence. Ren Shen is often used in many formulas to replenish spleen qi.
Finally, we add Gan Cao, which is sweet, neutral in nature, and enters the heart, lungs, spleen, and stomach meridians. It has the effects of tonifying the spleen and stomach, clearing heat and detoxifying, and resolving phlegm and stopping cough. Moreover, Gan Cao has a mild nature, is not hasty, and can harmonize the other herbs.
In summary, the combination of these four herbs provides warming and tonifying effects, tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, and warming the middle to dispel cold, which can treat various cold syndromes. Of course, to ensure the lasting efficacy of this 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.
In conclusion, while Chinese patent medicines are very convenient, one should not just look at symptoms and use them indiscriminately. TCM treats diseases by following the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment, with each person receiving a unique formula. When seeking treatment, it is essential to consult a professional to prescribe the most suitable formula for your constitution, use targeted medication, and avoid harming the body.
This is the content shared today for your reference! When choosing medications, it is crucial to base your choice on symptoms. If you are unsure which category your condition falls into, please seek help from a professional doctor for differentiation! I hope this helps everyone. See you next time!
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