🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Da Cheng Qi Tang originates from *Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders* (*Shang Han Lun*), composed of rhubarb, mirabilite, fructus aurantii immaturus, and magnolia bark. It treats conditions such as fullness, dryness, and solid obstruction. Clinically, flexible application of this formula yields remarkable results in cases involving heat invading Yangming meridian causing sudden aphonia, endocrine disorders with hirsutism, and intestinal pain with cough. Due to its concise composition, profound meaning, low cost, and rapid efficacy, this classical formula is widely accepted and should be promoted further.
1. Yangming Pathogenic Heat Blocking the Larynx Causing Sudden Loss of Voice
Peng, female, 55, farm worker, visited on June 20, 1998. After a recent cold and fever, despite Western treatment resolving surface symptoms, she suddenly lost her voice. Examination revealed restlessness, flushed face, yellow-red tongue coating, and deep, slow, strong pulse. This was attributed to pathogenic heat trapped in Yangming, with phlegm-heat obstructing the airway, causing sudden hoarseness. Da Cheng Qi Tang was prescribed: Rhubarb 10g (added last), Magnolia Bark 10g, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus 10g, Mirabilite 15g (dissolved separately). After the first dose, the patient passed stool three times during the night around 3 a.m. The next day, she felt clear-headed and could produce sounds, though speaking remained difficult. As the treatment was effective, the same formula was given for two more doses. Afterward, her voice returned to normal, and she was cured.
The *Huangdi Neijing* states: “The collateral of Foot Yangming ascends to connect head and neck, gathers all meridians’ qi, descends to link throat and esophagus. When qi reverses, it causes sudden aphonia.” Yangming resides in the central earth, known as the Sea of Food and Water, nourishing limbs and organs. External pathogens invade the skin, enter Yangming, causing stomach qi to rise, scorching the throat and leading to aphonia. Danxi said: “The throat is the vital gateway, connected to the stomach.” The condition presents as upper dryness and lower obstruction, with the root in Yangming fu-organs. The *Nei Jing* states: “For aphonia, treat the Yangming meridian.” Da Cheng Qi Tang excels in breaking through blockages: rhubarb clears heat and eliminates stagnation; mirabilite moistens dryness and breaks hardness; magnolia bark relieves fullness and promotes qi flow; fructus aurantii immaturus resolves phlegm and breaks nodules. It clears old stagnation, restores circulation in zang-fu organs and meridians, and expels heat and phlegm downward from the throat.
2. Internal Generation of Phlegm-Dampness with Zang-Fu Dryness and Heat
Wang, female, 18, student, previously diagnosed with hypercortisolism and endocrine imbalance. First visit in early April 2001. For over a year, menstruation had not occurred, defecation was severely constipated (like sheep droppings), appetite increased, limbs became obese, fatigue led to excessive sleepiness, cognitive abilities declined, boils appeared on the body, facial hair grew around the mouth, forcing her to drop out of school. She exhibited signs of depression and low self-esteem. Examination showed a plump, lethargic appearance with drowsiness, dry cracked tongue with white coating, and a large, weak pulse. Diagnosis: Zang-fu dryness and heat. Treated with Da Cheng Qi Tang: Rhubarb 10g (added last), Magnolia Bark 10g, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus 10g, Mirabilite 10g (dissolved separately). After three doses, bowel movement became watery and urgent. One week later, menstruation resumed. Subsequently, she was switched to Xiao Yao San for 15 days, after which her periods became regular, bowel movements normalized daily, appetite returned to normal, physique improved, and facial hair gradually disappeared.
Spleen dysfunction leads to internal phlegm-dampness; phlegm-heat invades the skin and muscles, causing blood stasis and boil formation. Endocrine imbalance and hyperfunction increase appetite, causing apparent obesity. Spleen earth disturbed by phlegm-dampness leads to fatigue and excessive sleep. Excessive heat injures liver wood, increasing male hormones, blocking menstruation. Constipation and dry tongue indicate Yangming fu-heat depleting true yin. Administering Da Cheng Qi Tang clears blockages and expels heat and phlegm via defecation.
3. Intestinal Abscess with Fu-Organ Realness and Qi Stagnation Causing Cough
Wen, female, 28, farmer, first visit in early May 2002. With a history of chronic appendicitis, she recently developed heavy cough, shortness of breath, yellow thick phlegm, chest pain, worse during the day and lighter at night. Antibiotics failed; she sought TCM treatment. Examination revealed McBurney point tenderness, flushed face, rapid, forceful pulse, thin, greasy yellow tongue coating, and constipation. Da Cheng Qi Tang with modifications was prescribed: Rhubarb 10g (added last), Fructus Aurantii Immaturus 10g, Magnolia Bark 10g, Houttuynia Cordata 15g, Persicae Semen 10g, Dandelion 15g, Viola Yedoensis 15g, Citrus Peel 5g, Apricot Kernel 10g, honeysuckle 10g, Forsythia 15g, Red Vine 20g, Coix Seed 20g. After five doses, cough improved. Without changing the prescription, another ten doses were taken. Not only did the cough disappear, but the intestinal abscess also resolved.
Yangming fu-organ realness leads to qi stagnation and blood stasis, forming intestinal abscess. Due to unresolved abscess, heat rises and affects lung qi, disrupting its function of dispersion and descent, causing chest tightness and cough. The *Nei Jing* states: “All five zang and six fu organs can cause cough—not just the lungs.” Administering Da Cheng Qi Tang with modifications clears Yangming fu-organ realness, reduces swelling and resolves stasis, allows heat to descend, restores smooth qi flow, and naturally cures cough.