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IIntroduction:This article demonstrates the use of Xiao Chai Hu Decoction for treating external pathogens, with modifications based on symptoms and nursing principles, providing a comprehensive reference for learning. (Editor/Wang Chao)
Xiao Chai Hu Decoction for Treating Colds – Emphasizing Supporting the Right Qi and Expelling Pathogens
Author/Zhu Xiaoming
Ancient texts state, “Wind is the chief of all diseases,” indicating that external factors are primary conditions, while “When the right qi is present, pathogens cannot invade” refers to internal factors. Insufficient right qi leads to dysfunction of the body’s defense mechanisms, making it susceptible to external pathogens, especially those arising from seasonal changes, which can cause imbalances in qi, blood, yin, and yang.
Therefore, in clinical practice, it is essential to both expel pathogens and support the right qi.
For treating external pathogenic diseases, it is clear that Gui Zhi Decoction and Ma Huang Decoction are not suitable, while Xiao Chai Hu Decoction is appropriate. From the perspective of Shao Yang disease, it harmonizes and expels external pathogens, making it a common choice for treating colds with modifications.
Using Xiao Chai Hu Decoction as the main treatment for external pathogenic diseases, a large dose of Chai Hu (Bupleurum) should be used, and a slight sweat should be induced after taking the medicine, similar to the effect of Gui Zhi Decoction, for better efficacy.
When the wind-cold pathogen is predominant, add Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia); when the external pathogen transforms into heat, add Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), and Lian Qiao (Forsythia), and sometimes add Zhi Huang Qi (Astragalus) to support the right qi and expel pathogens.
If there is severe aversion to cold with mild fever, increase the dosage of Chai Hu and Ban Xia (Pinellia); if there is severe fever with mild aversion to cold, increase the dosage of Huang Qin (Scutellaria); if both cold and heat are mild, add Ge Gen (Pueraria).
【Case Study】
In early winter of 1968, Mr. Zheng, male, a worker, experienced aversion to cold and fever after being exposed to wind and cold in the morning, with difficulty sweating, headache, joint pain, cough with thick white phlegm, and discomfort in the throat. His temperature was measured at 38.5℃, with a thin, slightly yellow, and dry tongue coating, and a red tongue body. I diagnosed him with wind-cold externally, some external pathogens transforming into heat, and insufficient right qi, thus prescribed Xiao Chai Hu Decoction with Pu Gong Ying and Da Bei Mu (Fritillaria).
The prescription included 25 grams of Chai Hu, 12 grams of Ban Xia, 12 grams of Huang Qin, 10 grams of Dang Shen (Codonopsis), 3 grams of Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice), 3 slices of Sheng Jiang (Ginger), 2 dates, 30 grams of Pu Gong Ying, and 18 grams of Da Bei Mu, decocted in water for oral administration.
In terms of nursing, I advised him not to decoct the medicine for too long, to take it warm, to pay attention to warmth, to add clothing and blankets, to induce slight sweating after taking the medicine, and especially not to be exposed to cold while sweating. It is not advisable to sweat excessively or profusely. After one dose, his temperature returned to normal, and in the second dose, the amount of Chai Hu was reduced to 20 grams, and he felt completely well after taking the medicine.
Recommended Reading
The Significance of Xiao Chai Hu Decoction, a Taiji Diagram
Liu Duzhou Discusses the Modifications and Treatment of Xiao Chai Hu Decoction
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ICopyright Statement This article is excerpted from “Clinical Secret Record”, published by the Ancient Chinese Medicine Publishing HouseAuthor/Zhu Xiaoming,Editor/Wang Chao. Proofread by/Tan Quanyong, Han Xiaohong. Copyright belongs to the relevant rights holders. If there are any improper uses, please feel free to contact us. I Submission Email [email protected] |
