Dihuo Du Zhong Jiu
Dihuo Du Zhong Jiu — Former name: "Dihuo Jin Jiu"
[Drug Composition] Dendrobium (remove roots) five liang, Achyranthes root (wine-soaked, cut, dried) one liang, Eucommia bark (remove coarse skin, stir-fried) half liang, Cinnabar six liang, Cinnamon (remove coarse skin) four liang, Salvia miltiorrhiza one liang two fen
[Function and Indications] Treats rheumatism due to cold and wind, injury to waist and legs, cold bi syndrome with numbness and pain.
[Dosage and Administration] Warm one bowl each time, take anytime, maintain a feeling of intoxication.
[Preparation Method] Cut all herbs, place in a porcelain bottle, seal tightly, steam over boiling water for two to three hours, then cool before opening.
[Precautions] Avoid wormwood. Cinnabar contains mercury; do not use excessively or for long periods.
[Source] Ming Dynasty, "Pu Ji Fang"
Comment: Dendrobium is mainly used to generate body fluids and nourish stomach; ancient people used it to strengthen legs and knees, expel cold bi syndrome, thus possessing two main functions: removing bi and tonifying deficiency. Overall formula includes Achyranthes root, Eucommia bark, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and cinnamon twig, which both dispel pathogenic factors and support healthy qi. Cinnabar, according to Li Shizhen, "achieves effects depending on its accompanying herbs, applicable everywhere," but due to mercury content, should not be used excessively or long-term.