桃核承气汤

Name

Decoction of Peach Kernel for Activating Qi.

Source

The book Shang Han Lun

Ingredients

• Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 12g,
• Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) 12g,
• Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 6g,
• Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 6g,
• Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 6g.

Explanation

Tao Ren: One of the principal drugs, removing blood stasis.

Da Huang: The other principal drug, dispersing blood stasis and pathogenic heat.

Gui Zhi: Promoting the circulation of blood and assisting Tao Ren in removing blood stasis.

Mang Xiao: Clearing away heat to resolve masses, assisting Da Huang in removing blood stasis and dispersing heat.

Gan Cao: Invigorating Qi to regulate the middle-Jiao, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.

Effect

Promoting the flow of blood to remove blood stasis.

Indications

Syndrome due to blood retention in the lower-Jiao, marked by rigidity and masses in the lower abdomen, frequent free urination, delirium, restlessness, thirst, fever during night followed by irritability, dark tongue, and deep solid or unsmooth pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as pelvic inflammation, adnexitis and intestinal obstruction.

Administration

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.