BLACK PEARL BP028 XIANG SHA LIU JUN ZI WAN SAUSSUREA & CARDAMON

BLACK PEARL XIANG SHA LIU JUN ZI WAN SAUSSUREA & CARDAMON – BP028

This is a popular variant of Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Major Herbs Combination) from the ‘Formulary of the Tai Ping Welfare Dispensary Bureau’ (tai ping hui min he ji ju fang), 1151. This particular variant, however, was not recorded until 1695, when it appeared in ‘Zhang’s Dictionary of Medicine’ (zhang shi yi tong), by Zhang Lu-xuan, 1695, a comprehensive collection, covering most branches of medicine from ancient to contemporary times.

The original included Zingiber (ginger) (sheng jiang), and most modern prepared formulations also include Ziziphus (da zao). However, in a ready prepared herbal pill formulation, with each additional ingredient the dosages of the others are reduced proportionally. Therefore it is better to use only those that are strictly necessary.

In this case both Ziziphus (da zao) and Zingiber (sheng jiang) have been omitted. The former because there are already sufficient Spleen Qi tonifying ingredients in the formula; and the later because Pinellia (ban xia), which requires pre-processing to remove its inherent toxicity, has been processed with ginger juice, thus avoiding the need for additional ginger.

This formula is a good example of a treatment that addresses both the primary aspects (ben) as well as the secondary aspects (biao) of a specific condition. While effectively dispelling Phlegm, drying Damp and redirecting the Stomach Qi downwards; it also tonifies the Spleen Qi and promotes the Spleen’s transformation and transportation functions in order to prevent further Damp and Phlegm from being produced.

The distinguishing clinical features centre on Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency and epigastric or abdominal distension with mild pain or discomfort. This is discussed further, below in Appendix 1 ‘Distinguishing Between the Spleen Tonifying Formulas’.

Ingredients:
– Codonopsis pilosula, root 黨參 75.0 mg
– Atractylodes macrocephala, rhizome 白術 60.0 mg
– Wolfiporia cocos, hyphae 茯苓 60.0 mg
– Pinellia ternata, tuber 半夏 45.0 mg
– Citrus reticulata, fruit peel 陳皮 45.0 mg
– Citrus medica, fruit 佛手 30.0 mg
– Amomum villosum, fruit 砂仁 30.0 mg
– Glycyrrhiza uralensis, root 甘草 30.0 mg

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:
– Codonopsis root (dang shen), Atractylodes rhizome (bai zu), Poria cocos (fu ling), Glycyrrhiza root (zhi gan cao): tonify the (Spleen) Qi.
– Atractylodes rhiz. (bai zu), Poria cocos (fu ling), Pinellia tuber (ban xia), Citrus peel (chen pi), Ammomum fruit (sha ren), Citrus medica, fruit (fo shou): dry Damp
– Poria cocos (fu ling), Pinellia tuber (ban xia), Citrus peel (chen pi), Citrus medica, fruit (fo shou), Ammomum fruit (sha ren): regulate the Qi and harmonise the Spleen and Stomach
– Pinellia tuber (ban xia), Citrus peel (chen pi), Poria cocos (fu ling), Citrus medica, fruit (fo shou): dry Damp and resolve Phlegm
– Citrus medica, fruit (fo shou), Ammomum fruit (sha ren): promote the flow of Qi in the Stomach and Intestines to reduce epigastric or abdominal distension, reduce food stagnation and alleviate pain.

Signs & Symptoms
– Allergic respiratory disorders
– Candidiasis (gastrointestinal)
– Bronchitis, chronic
– Duodenitis, chronic
– Gastritis, chronic
– Food allergies
– Gastroduodenal ulcer
– General debility
– Morning sickness
– Post surgery debility
– Allergies, food
– Allergies
– Chronic fatigue
– Fatigue
– Abdominal and epigastric distension
– Colitis, ulcerative
– Debility
– Digestion, poor
– Diarrhea or loose stools, chronic
– Poor appetite
– Malabsorption syndrome
– Asthma, acute on chronic

Dosage & Course of Treatment
8 – 12 pillules, 3 times daily, half to one hour away from food. In severe cases and in the early stages of treatment (first 2 – 4 weeks) the dosage may be increased by 50 – 100%.

Course of treatment: 3 – 6 months. Safe for long term use.

Cautions & Contraindications
– None noted