大陷胸湯
Name
Major Decoction for Removing Phlegm-heat from the chest.
Source
The book Shang Han Lun
Ingredients
Explanation
Gan Sui: One of the principal drugs, being bitter in flavor and cold in nature, purging water retention, clearing away heat, resolving masses.
Da Huang: The other principal drug, being good at sweeping out pathogenic heat by relaxing the bowels, purging together with Gan Sui pathogens due to water-heat accumulation.
Mang Xiao: Dispelling heat, softening masses, aiding Gan Sui and Da Huang in removing accumulations.
Effect
Purging heat, removing water retention, resolving masses.
Indications
Syndrome due to water and pathogenic heat retained in the chest and abdomen, marked by 5/6-day-absence of laxation, hard and full sensation and tenderness in the whole abdomen, mild hectic fever in the afternoon, or shortness of breath, severe vexation, dry tongue with thirst, and deep tense forceful pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as exudative pleurisy, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, etc.
Administration
Decoct Da Huang, melt Mang Xiao and infuse the powder of Gan Sui in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
Contraindication
This prescription should not be prescribed for treating patients with weak constitution or those who have just recovered from disease and are intolerant of purgation. It should not be further administered once its effectiveness has been achieved.