Major Sinking into the Chest Decocotion
Chinese Prescription: Da Xian Xiong Tang
English Translation: Major Sinking into the Chest Decocotion
Formula Type: Purge Heat Accumulation
Actions: Drains heat & drives out water by flushing downward.
Indications: Fullness & hardness of the epigastrium or the entire abdomen with severe pain that becomes unbearable upon even the slightest amount of pressure, tidal fever at dusk, severe constipation, thirst, a very dry tongue coating, & a submerged, tight, & forceful pulse. There may also be shortness of breath & irritability.
Contraindications: Because of the strength of this formula & the toxicity of its chief ingredient, it should only be used for acute conditions. It should be taken just long enough to obtain results, & never for more than a few doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy or for very weak patients. *Gansui is toxic*
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Gan Sui / Kansui Root, Lit. "Sweet Process" |
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Taste: Bitter, Sweet • Temperature: Cold • Category: Downward Draining • Sub Category: Cathartic |
Dosage1.5-3g decoction, 0.3-1g powder |
Actions1. Drains water downward & drives out congested fluid: for draining severe accumulation of fluid in the chest & abdomen. Also for generalized edema, facial edema, & abdominal distention. This is a violent, cathartic herb that causes one to pass water anally.
2. Clears heat & reduces swelling: used topically for swollen, painful, nodular skin lesions due to damp-heat. The herb is most appropriately used during the early stages of this disorder. Herbs that clear heat & reduce toxicity should be given orally at the same time. |
MeridiansKidney, Large Intestine, Lung |
CautionsThe use of this herb is limited to severe patterns of excess in robust patients. Contraindicated during pregnancy. May be incompatible with gan cao & may antagonize yuan zhi. Gan sui is toxic & side effects include nausea, vomiting, palpitations, abdominal pain, backache, & hematuria. |
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Da Huang / Rhubarb Rhizome |
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Taste: Bitter • Temperature: Cold • Category: Downward Draining • Sub Category: Purgative |
Dosage3-12g |
Actions1. Drains heat & purges accumulations: for high fever, profuse sweating, thirst, constipation, abdominal pain & distention, delirium, yellow tongue coating, & a full pulse. This presentation is referred to either as Intestinal heat excess or the yang brightness organ-stage of the six stages of disease.
2. Drains damp-heat via the stool, especially in cases of damp-heat jaundice or acute, hot dysentric disorders. Also for painful urinary dysfunction.
3. Drains heat from the blood: for blood in the stool either from bleeding hemorrhoids or heat accumulating in the Intestines. Also for reckless movement of hot blood that overflows, manifested in vomiting blood or nosebleed accompanied by constipation.
4. Invigorates the blood & dispels blood stasis: for amenorrhea, immobile abdominal masses, or fixed pain due to blood stasis. Also for blood stasis due to traumatic injury or Intestinal abscess. This is an important herb for treating both recent & long-terms blood stasis.
5. Clears heat obstructing the blood level: for fever, hot, swollen & painful eyes, or fire toxin sores due to heat excess obstructing the blood level.
6. Clears heat & reduces fire toxicity: used either topically or internally for burns or hot skin lesions. |
MeridiansHeart, Large Intestine, Liver, Stomach |
CautionsContraindicated in cases of exterior disorders, qi or blood deficiency, cold from deficiency of the Spleen & Stomach. Use with exteme caution during pregnancy, menstruation, or post partum. Contraindicated for nursing mothers because the active ingredients enter the milk. |
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Mang Xiao / Mirabilite, Glauber's Salt |
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Taste: Acrid, Bitter, Salty • Temperature: Very Cold • Category: Downward Draining • Sub Category: Purgative |
Dosage3-9g |
Actions1. Purges accumulation & guides out stagnation: for heat in the Stomach & intestines with constipation, this substance moistens dryness & softens hardness.
2. Clears heat & reduces swelling: for red, swollen, painful eys; painful, swollen, ulcerated mouth or throat; & red, swollen skin lesions including breast problems. |
MeridiansStomach, Large Intestine |
CautionsContraindicated in cases of heat excess, Spleen deficiency, in the elderly, during pregancy, post partum, & during menstruation. |