[Prescription Name]
Fang Feng Cang Zhu Tang
[Composition]
Equal amounts of Fang Feng and Zhi Gan Cao, one amount each of Cang Zhu and Shi Gao, and two amounts each of Chuan Xiong and Huang Qin.
[Processing Method]
Grind the above ingredients into coarse powder.
[Usage and Dosage]
Take two qián (about 6 grams) per dose, add three slices of fresh ginger and seven leaves of mint, decoct in water and take twice a day.
[Functions and Indications]
According to "Zheng Zhi Zhun Zhen - Yu Ke", Fang Feng Cang Zhu Tang has the functions of relieving exterior and clearing heat. It is mainly used for children with pathogenic heat in the superficial layer, aversion to wind and cold, and unerupted skin rashes.
[Methods of Using Cang Zhu]
1. Cang Zhu can be combined with Hou Po, Chen Pi, and Gan Cao to dry dampness, regulate the spleen, promote qi circulation, and harmonize the stomach. If the spleen is dampened and unable to differentiate between clear and turbid, leading to loose stools and decreased urine output, it can be used together with Hou Po, Fu Ling, and Ze Xie to strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, promote urination, and solidify the stools. For children with cholera and diarrhea, it can be used with Ren Shen and Mu Gua. If the spleen dampness persists and causes a craving for drinking, rib pain, reduced appetite, and sour taste in the mouth, it can be used alone as powder or made into pills with Jujube meat to dry dampness, strengthen the spleen, and transform phlegm and fluid retention.
2. In cases of cold and damp epidemic, symptoms include headache, body aches, lack of sweating, and symptoms resembling typhoid fever, with epidemic characteristics, it can be combined with Qiang Huo, Gao Ben, and Bai Zhi. For those affected by mountain mists and miasma, with symptoms of cold, heat, and abdominal distension, it can be used together with Huang Qin, Chai Hu, and Qiang Huo. For those with seasonal malaria, with symptoms of intermittent fever, it can be matched with Hou Po, Bing Lang, and Chang Shan. For those affected by summer and autumn dampness, resulting in cholera, vomiting, and diarrhea, it can be combined with Huo Xiang, Ban Xia, and Hou Po.
3. For wind-cold with dampness attacking the surface, symptoms include lack of sweating, headache, stiff neck, and body soreness, it can be combined with Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Chuan Xiong, and Bai Zhi.
4. For improving vision, it can be decocted with pig liver or sheep liver.
