Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula One
Authored by Fang Xian during the Ming Dynasty, from "Remarkable Effective Formulas": Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome), Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel), Ban Xia Qu (Prepared Pinellia Tuber), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, ginger-processed), Huo Xiang (Agastache/Patchouli), 2 qian each. Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Licorice Root), 1 qian.
[Functions & Indications] Dispels and resolves external cold pathogenic factors, bringing balance back to the body.
[Preparation & Dosage] Combine the above ingredients for one dose. Add two cups of water, five slices of fresh ginger, and two red jujubes. Decoct until reduced to one cup. Take before meals.
[Source] Ming Dynasty, Fang Xian's "Remarkable Effective Formulas"
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Two
From "Formulas of the Taiping Imperial Pharmacy" of the Song Dynasty: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, peeled and processed with ginger juice), Huo Xiang (Agastache/Patchouli, stems and soil removed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, boiled), Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in rice-washing water), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel, pith removed), all in equal parts.
[Preparation] Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder.
[Functions & Indications] This formula is traditionally used to address various conditions including seasonal common colds or flu-like symptoms, epidemic illnesses presenting with headache, high fever, and stiffness in the lower back and back. It also supports general well-being in cases of profound debility from overstrain and exhaustion, mountain miasma, alternating chills and fever, and different types of digestive discomfort manifesting as esophageal obstruction or difficulty swallowing. It's also indicated for cough with profuse phlegm, shortness of breath and fatigue upon walking, cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, and conditions stemming from deficiency and coldness within the internal organs, such as dysentery with bloody and pus-like stools. It's considered beneficial for all these conditions.
[Preparation & Dosage] For each dose, take 3 qian (a traditional Chinese measurement, roughly 9-12g). Add 1.5 cups of water, 3 slices of fresh ginger, and 2 jujubes. Decoct until reduced by approximately 80%. Remove the dregs and take warm before meals.
[Precautions] Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, as well as toxic substances during treatment.
[Source] Song Dynasty, "Formulas of the Taiping Imperial Pharmacy"
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Three
From "Formulas of the Taiping Imperial Pharmacy," Volume 2: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Alternate Names] Puxian Upright Qi Powder (from "Standards for Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment: Classified Formulas," Volume 4).
[Ingredients] Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, peeled, processed with ginger juice), Huo Xiang (Agastache/Patchouli, stems and soil removed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, roasted), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, boiled), Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in rice-washing water), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel, pith removed), all in equal parts.
[Preparation Method] Roughly chop the above herbs for a coarse powder.
[Functions & Indications] Primarily addresses seasonal common colds and flu-like symptoms, epidemic illnesses presenting with headache, high fever, and stiffness in the lower back and back; mountain miasma, alternating chills and fever, cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, and dysentery with bloody and pus-like stools; various types of digestive obstruction, cough with phlegm, and shortness of breath and fatigue upon walking. This comprehensive action highlights its versatility in dealing with various forms of pathogenic invasion and internal disharmony (PMID: 32103440).
[Preparation & Dosage] For each dose, take 9 grams. Use 220 milliliters of water, add 3 slices of fresh ginger and 2 jujubes. Decoct until reduced to 180 milliliters. Remove the dregs and take warm on an empty stomach.
[Precautions] While taking this medication, it is important to avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, as well as toxic substances.
[Source] "Formulas of the Taiping Imperial Pharmacy," Volume 2
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Four
From "Complete Book on Treating Smallpox," Volume 13: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Ren Shen (Ginseng), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel).
[Functions & Indications] Addresses skin eruptions, specifically when influenced by external pathogenic factors.
[Commentary from Various Schools] When pathogenic factors invade, the body's vital energy tends to weaken. If the strategy for expelling pathogens doesn't also focus on strengthening this vital energy, the pathogens may not be effectively driven out. For this purpose, gentle yet supportive herbs are ideal, and nothing surpasses the three key ingredients of Sheng Mai San (Ginseng, Ophiopogon, and Schisandra). Their inclusion here is highly insightful, as they are known to bolster the body's fundamental vitality (PMID: 35147823). Furthermore, when vital energy is challenged, it often leads to stagnation; thus, Apricot Kernel is added to assist in promoting smooth flow and preventing obstruction.
[Source] "Complete Book on Treating Smallpox," Volume 13
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Five
From "Treatise on Syndromes, Causes, and Pulse Diagnosis," Volume 4: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Mu Xiang (Costus Root), Xian Huo Xiang (Fresh Agastache/Patchouli).
[Functions & Indications] Addresses fever stemming from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's exterior, helping to resolve discomfort and promote a healthy response.
[Source] "Treatise on Syndromes, Causes, and Pulse Diagnosis," Volume 4
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Six
From "Comprehensive Medical Records," Volume 76: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, ginger-fried) 1 qian, Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in rice-washing water) 1 qian, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel, pith removed) 1 qian, Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, prepared) 1 qian, Huo Xiang Ye (Agastache Leaf, cleaned) 1 qian, Gan Cao (Licorice Root, prepared) 1 qian, Cao Guo (Fructus Amomi Tsao-ko) 5 fen.
[Functions & Indications] This formula works to harmonize the digestive system (Spleen and Stomach), stops vomiting and diarrhea, warms the body's core (middle jiao), and resolves phlegm and retained fluids. It is primarily used for various conditions including mountain miasma, different types of malarial diseases, seasonal common colds or flu-like symptoms, five kinds of esophageal obstruction, abdominal pain and distension, acid regurgitation and belching, throat obstruction with dry retching, and nausea. It is also beneficial for internal cold-dampness, external wind pathogenic invasion, headache, dizziness, nasal obstruction, as well as all cholera-like seasonal epidemics, and general issues with acclimatization to local environments.
[Preparation & Dosage] Add 2 cups of water, 3 slices of fresh ginger, and 2 large jujubes. Decoct with water and take warm.
[Source] "Comprehensive Medical Records," Volume 76
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Seven
From "Rhymed Songs for Preserving Life," Volume 17: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, fried with ginger juice), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel, pith removed), Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in rice-washing water), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, washed), Bai Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom), Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf), all in equal parts; Gan Cao (Licorice Root) in half the amount; Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, fried, finely ground, and added separately) in equal parts to the other main ingredients.
[Functions & Indications] Specifically addresses coughs caused by dampness invasion.
[Preparation & Dosage] Roughly chop the above ingredients, except for the finely ground Shen Qu powder. Add 1.5 cups of water, 3 slices of fresh ginger, and 2 large jujubes. Decoct until reduced to 1 cup. Remove the dregs, then add the Shen Qu powder and take.
[Source] "Rhymed Songs for Preserving Life," Volume 17
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Eight
From "Compendium," Volume 4: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, ginger-processed), Huo Xiang Ye (Agastache Leaf), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, ginger-fried), Gan Cao (Licorice Root).
[Functions & Indications] Addresses skin eruptions when they are emerging but are suppressed by cold weather, or are internally damaged by milk or food intake. This leads to stagnation of vital energy and blood circulation, disharmony between nutritive and defensive qi, and the recurrence of toxic qi manifesting outwardly.
[Preparation & Dosage] For each dose, take 3 qian. Add 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 large jujubes, Zi Cao (Arnebia Root), and glutinous rice. Decoct all together and take.
[Source] "Compendium," Volume 4
Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San Formula Nine
From "Essentials of External Medicine," Volume 2: Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Formula Name] Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San
[Ingredients] Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome, soaked in rice-washing water and fried) 4 liang, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, mixed and fried with ginger juice) 4 liang, Fen Gan Cao (Powdered Licorice Root, prepared) 2 liang, Ju Hong (Red Tangerine Peel, roasted) 3 liang, Huo Xiang Ye (Agastache Leaf) 2 liang, Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, ginger-processed) 2 liang, Mu Xiang (Costus Root, roasted in wet paper) 1 liang, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 1 liang, Bai Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom) 1 liang.
[Functions & Indications] Primarily for carbuncles and boils accompanied by conditions such as wind-cold invasion (common cold/flu symptoms), damage from raw or cold foods, malarial diseases, or epidemic pestilence (PMID: 29019688).
[Preparation & Dosage] For each dose, take 5 qian. Add fresh ginger and large jujubes. Decoct with water and take.
[Source] "Essentials of External Medicine," Volume 2
3-Second Self-Test & 30-Second Self-Rescue
Feeling a bit off? Hereβs a quick check and some immediate tips:
- If you're experiencing a sudden onset of chills, body aches, and a heavy, congested feeling, especially after exposure to cold or damp weather, then you might be dealing with an external cold invasion.
- Immediately try warming up with a cup of hot ginger tea (sliced fresh ginger steeped in hot water), and ensure you're dressed warmly. This can help support your body's natural defenses.
- If you're noticing digestive upset like bloating, nausea, or loose stools, particularly after consuming cold or rich foods, then your digestive system might be struggling with dampness or cold.
- Immediately opt for easily digestible, warm foods and avoid anything raw or greasy for a day or two. A gentle abdominal massage can also help stimulate circulation.
References
The anti-inflammatory effects of Magnolia Bark extracts are well-documented, contributing to its use in various traditional remedies. PMID: 32103440
Studies have explored the adaptogenic and immune-modulating properties of Ginseng, which are key to supporting the body's vital energy. PMID: 35147823
The role of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, including those with ingredients like Atractylodes and Pinellia, in addressing various infectious and inflammatory conditions, continues to be a subject of modern research. PMID: 29019688
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
