Ten-Jujube Decoction
Chinese Prescription: Shi Zao Tang
English Translation: Ten-Jujube Decoction
Formula Type: Drive Out Excess Water
Actions: Purges & drives out thin mucus.
Indications: Cough with pain in the chest and hypochondria, hard focal distention in the epigastrium, dry heaves, shortness of breath, headache, vertigo, a white, slippery tongue coating, a submerged, wiry pulse. There may also be chest pain extending to the back that makes breathing difficult.
Contraindications: This formula should be used with extreme caution in weak or pregnant patients. If severe diarrhea occurs, cold rice porridge shoud be taken. In cases with weakness, this formula should be taken, in turn, with another that strengthens the Spleen & augments the qi: one purges while the other tonifies. It is not advisable to prepare this formula as a decoction. Experience & animal tests show that side effects increase when the herbs are boiled together rather than taken as a powder with Da Zao decoction. By preparing the main herbs in this formula with vinegar before use, it is possible to reduce the potential side effects.
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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. |
Dosage information not currently available
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Yuan Hua / Genkwa Flower |
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Taste: Bitter, Acrid • Temperature: Warm • Category: Downward Draining • Sub Category: Cathartic |
Dosage1.5-3g |
Actions1. Drains water downward & drives out congested fluids; used both as a harsh cathartic & a diuretic for accumulation of fluids in the chest & abdomen & congested fluids in the flanks.
2.Kills parasites: used topically to kill such infestations as ringworm. |
MeridiansKidney, Large Intestine, Lung |
CautionsContraindicated during pregnancy & in weak patients. May be incompatible with gan cao. Toxic. Symptoms of toxicity include tremors & dyspnea. |
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Da Zao (Hong / Hei) / Red or Black Jujube Date |
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Taste: Sweet • Temperature: Neutral • Category: Tonic / Harmonize • Sub Category: Tonify Qi |
Dosage3-12 pieces (10-30 grams) |
Actions1. Tonifies the Spleen & augments the qi: for weakness, shortness of breath, lassitude, reduced appetite, & loose stools due to Spleen & Stomach deficiency.
2. Nourishes the blood & calms the spirit: for wan appearance, irritability, & severe emotional lability due to restless organ disorder.
3. Moderates & harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs. |
MeridiansSpleen, Stomach |
CautionsSince hong zao aids dampness, generates heat, & may readily induce fullness in the middle burner, it is contraindicated in cases of excess dampness, food stagnation, intestinal parasites, or damp-phlegm disorders with such symptoms as epigastric distention & bloating. |