Pure Yang Immortal Nourishing Intestine Decoction
【Source】Vol. 6 of "Taiping惠民Heji Bureau Formulae."
【Alternate Names】Immortal Nourishing Intestine Decoction ("Comprehensive Formula Collection" Vol. 211), Nourishing Intestine Decoction ("Xingyuan Shengchun" Vol. 4).
【Composition】Ginseng, Angelica (without root), Atractylodes (baked), each 18 grams; Nutmeg (wrapped in flour, baked) 15 grams; Cinnamon (remove coarse skin), Licorice (roasted), each 24 grams; White peony root 48 grams; Aquilaria wood (no fire exposure) 42 grams; Chebulic myrobalan (pit removed) 36 grams; Poppy capsule (stem and cap removed, honey-fried) 108 grams
【Usage】Crush into coarse particles, use 6 grams per dose, decoct with 225 mL water to 180 mL, filter, take warm on an empty stomach.
【Function】Astringe intestines, stop diarrhea, warm and tonify spleen and kidney.
【Indications】Chronic diarrhea and dysentery, spleen-kidney deficiency-cold, frequent bowel movements day and night, abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure, fatigue, poor appetite, rectal prolapse.
【Contraindications】Avoid alcohol, wheat products, raw/cold foods, fish, and greasy foods during medication.
【Additions/Modifications】If intestinal slipping occurs at night and persists, add 3–4 slices of processed aconite.
【Discussion】Poppy capsule is used in large quantity to astringe intestines and stop diarrhea, cinnamon warms kidney and spleen—both are primary herbs. Nutmeg assists cinnamon in warming spleen and kidney; chebulic myrobalan aids poppy capsule in astringing intestines; ginseng and atractylodes strengthen spleen qi; all together serve as secondary herbs. Chronic diarrhea depletes yin-blood, hence angelica and white peony nourish blood and harmonize the nutritive essence; aquilaria wood regulates qi and guides stagnation—both are auxiliary herbs; licorice moderates the formula and harmonizes the middle, combined with white peony also relieves spasms and pain—this is the messenger herb. Together, they have the effect of astringing intestines, stopping diarrhea, and warming tonifying spleen and kidney. |
