In the face of illness, people often misplace priorities, treating “data” and “diagnosis” as causes rather than results, which is a fundamental barrier to recovery.Technology brings convenience but can also become a shackle; the distinction lies in the wisdom of individuals. How should we trace back to the roots of understanding diseases?Please follow our public account series “The Origins and Endings of Diseases”; this article is the tenth installment.Click the green label above to listen for a more complete experience
1. Origins: What are Powdered Formulas?
Powdered formulas refer to preparations made by mixing one or more medicinal substances into a powder form.
Powder (san) is finely ground; it should be prepared and used promptly, as it cannot be stored for long due to the risk of losing its potency and efficacy. It is used for acute illnesses, not following the meridians, but rather targeting the stomach and internal organs, hence the term “powdered” (san) signifies dispersion.
——《本草蒙筌》 (Bencao Mengquan)
2. Powdered Formulas: A Quick Solution
Powdered formulas are prepared in advance for emergencies; although they are not as quick-acting as decoctions, they are faster than pills and can take effect more rapidly.However, in terms of storage, powdered formulas do not last as long as pills because their aroma dissipates easily, leading to a loss of efficacy over time, which can affect the healing process.Powdered formulas can be taken internally or applied externally. Some external powdered formulas, like Ruyi Jinhuang San, are available for purchase, but classic internal powdered formulas such as Pingwei San, Sini San, and Xiaoyao San are becoming rare, as many have been transformed into granules or pills. This is largely due to the shorter shelf life of powdered formulas and the high cost of commercialization.Transforming powdered formulas into pills can affect their original efficacy. For instance, Xiaoyao San can soothe the liver and promote qi flow; powdered formulas act faster than pills and do not have a prolonged impact on the body, while pills tend to act more slowly, often requiring multiple, long-term doses, which can lead to another imbalance.
3. Applications of Powdered Formulas
The use of powdered formulas is not simply grinding the medicine into fine powder and mixing it with water.Different formulas have different requirements, for example:“For those with strong aromas, mix with white decoction; for those with light aromas, decoct and consume with the residue.”Rice soup, wheat soup, ginger, jujube, and water decoction are common combinations with the medicine.
For external application, the use of powdered formulas varies depending on the disease and the affected area. There are direct applications, inhalations for the throat, ears, and nostrils, and some powdered formulas can be mixed with liquids like vinegar, honey, or tea.
However, overall, the use of powdered formulas is quite limited today.If a doctor prescribes a powdered formula, they will explain how to use it and what to pay attention to.At this time, you must cooperate closely to achieve the best recovery results.
4. Success and Failure
Throughout the long history of the Chinese nation, powdered formulas have played an irreplaceable role in emergency care for critical illnesses and external injuries, acting like an “ambulance” that has never stopped.However, with the invasion of Western thinking and the development of a commodity economy, this “ambulance” seems to be approaching its end, along with the wisdom and compassion of our ancestors.Years later, perhaps everyone will realize that the culture of Huaxia, which could not be destroyed by war, is fading away in peace…
Feel free to leave a message below.Scan the QR code below to join【Yingxiang Health Group】 and discuss with more friends.Previous Articles:1. Why Do People Get Sick? 2. Why Do People Get Sick? (Root Cause Version) 3. Seeking More, Not Harmony, Symptoms Are Hard to Eliminate 4. How Do You Understand Disease? Misconceptions in Seeking Treatment (Part 1) 5. How Do You Understand Doctors? Misconceptions in Seeking Treatment (Part 2) 6. Misconceptions and Issues in Medication. Misconceptions in Seeking Treatment (Part 3) 7. The Treasure of TCM Passed Down for Thousands of Years – Formulas 8. The Vanguard – Decoctions 9. Pills Are Slow; Want to listen to more health content? Join the 【Yingxiang TCM Health Group】 now↓↓↓
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