Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang 柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤
Bupleurum, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Source: Discussion of Cold-induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun)

Herb Name

Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
Ban Xia (Pinellia)
Huang Qin (Scutellaria)
Ren Shen (Ginseng)
Sheng Jiang (fresh Ginger)
Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig)
Fu Ling (Poria)
Long Gu (Fossil Bone)
Mu Li (Oyster shell)
Da Huang (Rhubarb)
Da Zao (Jujube)
Qian Dan (Minium) *

Latin


Bupleurum
Pinellia ternata
Scutellaria baicalensis
Panax ginseng
Zingiberis officinalis
Cinnamomum cassia

Poria cocos
Os Draconis
Concha Ostreae
Rheum palmatum
Zizyphus jujuba
Red Lead Oxide

Amount


12 grams
6 grams






4 ½ grams ea.
6 grams
6 pieces
4 ½ grams

* Hematite is usually substituted for Minium in modern times.

Preparation:


Decoction. The Rhubarb is added in the last few minutes of decocting.

Function:


Clears Heat, Calms the Mind and Spirit

Use:


Irritability with palpitations, fullness in the chest, constipation, delirious, red tongue with a greasy coating and a rapid pulse
1. Palpitations
2. Anxiety
3. Insomnia
4. Neurosis
5. Hysteria
6. Epilepsy
7. Hypertension
8. A-V block
9. Hyperthyroidism
10. Menopausal Syndrome
11. Post Concussion Syndrome

Dose:


To be taken in 3 divided doses over the day.

Cautions:


Not used for Cold or Deficiency conditions

Modifications:


1. Minium is omitted oir substituted with Hematite, Magnetite or Iron oxide (rust).
2. Codonopsis Dang Shen is usually used in place of Ginseng in 2–3 times the dose.
3. Mania or Psychosis, increase the dose of Rhubarb
4. Strong Liver Heat with Vertigo, Headache, Nightmares, add Gentian Long Dan Cao and Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao).
5. Seizures, add Salvia Dan Shen
6. Seizures, Epilepsy with Phlegm obstruction, add Calamus (Shi Chang Pu), Polygala (Yuan Zhi), Ariseama Dan Nan Xing.
7. Postconcussion Syndrome, use wine-fried Rhubarb and add Ligusticum chuanxiong, Notoginseng San Qi.
8. Palpitations and Insomnia associated with Hypertension, add Uncaria Gou Teng and Gastrodia Tian ma.

This was originally designed for a disorder caused by improper purging, where an external pathogen is drawn deeper into the body and obstructs the Yang Qi.
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