The traditional Chinese medicine formula "Zhenwu Decoction" is used to treat spleen and kidney yang deficiency. Zhenwu Decoction disperses cold and dampness, promotes water circulation, and relieves fire while promoting water flow. Why do Chinese medicine practitioners believe that Zhenwu Decoction is better than Xiao Qinglong Decoction for treating spleen and kidney yang deficiency?
Why is Zhenwu Decoction better than Xiao Qinglong Decoction?
Xiao Qinglong Decoction is used to treat exterior conditions with unresolved water retention, which can be both cold and excessive. Zhenwu Decoction is used to treat exterior conditions with resolved water retention, which can be both cold and deficient. Zhenwu, the god of water in the north, is named after this decoction to symbolize its ability to control water. In the human body, the spleen regulates water, and the kidneys are responsible for water management. If there is no yang in the kidneys, even if the spleen functions properly, the gates of the kidneys will not open, and water will overflow and flow recklessly without control. By using the pungent and hot properties of Aconite to strengthen the original yang of the kidneys, water can be regulated. The bitter and dry properties of Atractylodes can establish the balance of the middle earth, thus controlling water. The pungent properties of ginger assist Aconite in replenishing yang and have the intention of dispersing water. The bland and seeping properties of Poria assist Atractylodes in strengthening the earth element and have the intention of promoting water circulation. The sour properties of Peony can consolidate the yang energy in the Yin and prevent the true yang from dissipating. Peony is used to quickly gather yang energy back to its roots in the Yin. Therefore, it is known that if yang is only replenished with pungent and hot herbs without the addition of sour herbs, the true yang may escape. The reason for using Peony is to quickly gather yang energy back to its roots in the Yin. Based on this, it can be understood that the reason for the loss of yang due to improper use of Xiao Qinglong Decoction is the lack of Peony, which is necessary among the yang-replenishing herbs. However, if there is diarrhea, Peony should be reduced, as yang should not be dispersed externally. Adding dried ginger is to warm the middle and overcome cold. If water and cold damage the lungs, coughing may occur. Adding Xixin dried ginger disperses water cold. Adding Schisandra consolidates lung qi. If there is frequent urination, Poria should be removed because it is cold and cannot stop water. If there is vomiting, Aconite should be removed and the amount of fresh ginger should be doubled, as the problem is not in the lower burner but in the stomach, where water stagnates. Therefore, warming the kidneys to promote water circulation is not necessary. It is only necessary to warm the stomach to disperse water. Additionally, the function of fresh ginger is to stop vomiting.
Introduction to Zhenwu Decoction
Prescription: 9g Poria, 9g Pinellia ternata, 6g Atractylodes, 6g White Paeony, 6g Aconite, 12g Dragon Bone, 12g Oyster Shell, 4.5g Fresh Ginger.
Functions and Indications: Warming yang and promoting water circulation, invigorating the spleen and transforming phlegm. Used for spleen and kidney yang deficiency, phlegm-dampness accumulation, and reversed water qi.
Usage and Dosage: Decoction, take one dose per day, twice a day.
Excerpt from "Pu Fu Zhou Fang"
