When it comes to first aid, few people think of traditional Chinese medicine. However, Chinese medicine can also be used in emergency situations, including the use of patent medicines such as An Gong Niu Huang Wan, Zi Xue Dan, and Zhi Bao Dan. Among them, An Gong Niu Huang Wan is the most commonly used, while Zi Xue Dan and Zhi Bao Dan are relatively lesser-known. According to traditional Chinese medicine experts, An Gong Niu Huang Wan is currently the most popular, while Zi Xue Dan is less commonly used and Zhi Bao Dan is rarely used.
An Gong Niu Huang Wan, mentioned in Wu Tang's book "Wen Bing Tiao Bian" from the Qing Dynasty, is composed of ingredients such as ox gallstone, rhinoceros horn, musk, coptis root, skullcap root, gardenia fruit, cinnabar, pearl, borneol, realgar, and turmeric. In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is compared to a monarch, and the pericardium is considered the palace of the heart. "An Gong" describes the effect of the medicine in making the heart "dwell peacefully in its palace."
Zi Xue Dan has the longest history among the three medicines and is named after its appearance, which resembles "purple snow". It is known for its extremely cold nature, like snow and frost. The medicine contains ingredients such as gypsum, talc, talcum, rhinoceros horn, antelope horn, incense, sandalwood, ginseng, cimicifuga, licorice, cloves, camphor, saltpeter, niter, musk, and cinnabar. Nowadays, a more common form of Zi Xue Dan is Zi Xue San.
Zhi Bao Dan combines numerous precious medicinal ingredients and has remarkable therapeutic effects, hence its name, which means "precious treasure". The formula was first mentioned in the book "Ling Yuan Fang", and the original recipe for Zhi Bao Dan included expensive ingredients such as musk, rhinoceros horn, and amber, as well as 50 pieces of gold and silver foil to enhance the sedative and calming effects of amber and cinnabar in the formula. Nowadays, water buffalo horn concentrated powder is used instead of rhinoceros horn in Zhi Bao Dan, and the commonly seen form is "Ju Fang Zhi Bao San".
The Three Medicines for Treating Fever-induced Coma
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fever diseases focus on the clinical study of acute febrile diseases and infectious diseases. These three medicines are mainly used to treat infectious and contagious diseases and are representative of heat-clearing and consciousness-opening medicines. However, they have different properties. An Gong Niu Huang Wan is the coldest, followed by Zi Xue Dan, and then Zhi Bao Dan. An Gong Niu Huang Wan is suitable for patients with high fever, coma, and confusion. Zi Xue Dan is suitable for patients with convulsions, irritability, and twitching of limbs, often accompanied by loud sounds. Zhi Bao Dan is more suitable for patients with fever-induced coma, unclear consciousness, and silence. Based on these characteristics, there is a TCM saying: "Zi Xue Dan for convulsive patients, Zhi Bao Dan for silent patients, and An Gong Niu Huang Wan for confused patients."
TCM differentiates fever-induced pericarditis patients, including those diagnosed with epidemic encephalitis B, epidemic meningitis, acute cerebrovascular disease, hepatic coma, stroke, respiratory system diseases, febrile convulsions in children, and high fever and coma caused by infection or poisoning. All of these conditions can be treated with An Gong Niu Huang Wan. In 1956, there was a large-scale outbreak of epidemic encephalitis B in Beijing and Hebei, and many TCM experts pointed out that An Gong Niu Huang Wan might be more effective. Mao Zedong even made a remark encouraging the use of this medicine.
Zhi Bao Dan is suitable for patients diagnosed with epidemic encephalitis B, epidemic meningitis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, uremia, heatstroke, epilepsy, and other conditions in Western medicine, while TCM diagnosis indicates phlegm-heat obstructing the pericardium. Zi Xue Dan, in addition to clearing heat and opening consciousness, is particularly suitable for patients with high fever, coma, and convulsions. Nowadays, many children may experience high fever convulsions due to tonsillitis or suppuration, and Zi Xue Dan has good antipyretic and antispasmodic effects. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use Zi Xue San under the guidance of a doctor, along with other decoctions for treatment.
Cautionary Notes for Taking the Three Medicines
Currently, many families keep An Gong Niu Huang Wan as their emergency medicine, especially after a stroke. However, it is completely wrong to take it without considering the symptoms and without the guidance of a doctor, thinking that it can bring someone back to life.
Firstly, TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. Otherwise, life-saving medicine may become "poisonous". These three medicines are all very cold in nature, and taking them without proper diagnosis may be life-threatening for people with weak constitutions. Therefore, they should not be used without proper guidance. Secondly, these medicines are relatively expensive and not suitable for long-term storage. Lastly, there are many contraindications when taking these medicines. They can only be used for a short period of time, and spicy, greasy, and meaty foods should be avoided during the course of treatment. Pregnant women should not take these medicines. For patients with weak constitutions who must take them, attention should be paid to the method of administration, such as combining An Gong Niu Huang Wan with Shen Tang, under the guidance of a doctor.
