Common Cold Water (Tincture)
[Formula] Ephedra 75 kg, Cinnamon Twig 22.5 kg, Apricot Kernel 30 kg,羌活 15 kg; Fang Feng 15 kg, Chuan Xiong 15 kg, Angelica 15 kg, White芷 15 kg, Mentha 7.5 kg, Kudzu Root 22.5 kg, Scutellaria 30 kg, Platycodon 15 kg, Calamus 7.5 kg, Herba Schizonepetae 22.5 kg, Ethanol as needed.
[Method] First extract essential oil from Herba Schizonepetae, then collect the remaining liquid (Ephedra may be replaced by Ephedra Paste—each 500 g Ephedra Paste equals 3.5 kg Ephedra, so total Ephedra Paste is 10.75 kg; Apricot Kernel may be replaced by Apricot Cake). Dissolve Ephedra Paste in a little water to form dilute paste. Combine both dilute pastes with other main herbs, reflux with 7 times volume of 50% ethanol twice: first time with 4 times volume for 3 hours, second time with 3 times volume for 2 hours. Retain the first reflux liquid as 1/10 of total ethanol volume; combine the rest including second reflux ethanol, reflux and reduce under reduced pressure to approximately 40 kg. Add equal volume of 95% acetic acid to the retained liquid, mix thoroughly, adjust total volume to match original herb weight. Freeze and precipitate for 2–3 days, filter through two layers of gauze. Freeze again for 2–3 days, filter through four layers of blue gauze. Mix essential oil into filtrate before bottling. Each bottle contains 15 ml.
[Function] Dispersing wind and clearing heat.
[Indications] For internal heat with external cold pattern of common cold, presenting headache, fever, joint pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, bitter mouth, dry throat.
[Usage] Oral. Take 5 ml each time, twice daily. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
[Note] From *Compilation of Chinese Herbal Preparations*. This condition is characterized by internal heat combined with external wind-cold (heat inside, cold outside). This tincture has dual action on exterior and interior, hence highly effective. Avoid raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods.