King and Minister 3
King and Minister 3 is a Tibetan combination of Camphor, Sandalwood and Tabasheer that also appears in a number of Western formulas for Heat and Fever. The proportions are typically as follows:
- Camphor 1 part
- White Sandalwood 3 parts
- Tabasheer 3 part
The dose is 500mg–1 gram.
They are also combined in larger formulas where their proportions may vary.
This combination is the foundation formula for the treatment of Fever, especilly High and Burning Fever. It is called “King and Minister” because Camphor is regarded as King of medicines for Fever, while Sandalwood is regarded as the Minister of Fever remedies.
Tabasheer is Cold, dry, clears Heat, resolves Phlegm and Settles Wind. It is effective for Fever, Hot-Phlegm Cough, and Wind-Heat Convulsions. It is especially useful for Children. Camphor has a Cooling effect and is very penetrating. It disperses Hot pathogens and is very useful for Fever. White Sandalwood is Cool and Pungent. It clears Heat from the Qi level while cooling the body to relieve restlessness.
Together, these 3 medicines work to clear Heat from the Qi level, relieve the Exterior, reduce Fever and promote Calm and Rest.
There are other King and Minister formulas, King and Minister 5, 7 and 9 (see the additions below). Despite the additions containing rare and expensive medicines such as Bezoar, Musk and (Bear) Bile, King and Minister 3 can be easily formed and is regarded as effective when used alone. Additions to King and Minister 3 used in the West (Unani) include Rose, Red Sandalwood, Tragacanth, Saffron and Red Coral.
Key Indications
- specific for Fever, especially High or Burning Fever
Examples
Tibetan:
King and Minister 5, King and Minister 7, King and Minister 9, Camphor 25,
From West/Unani:
Troches of Rose (Trochisci Diarrhodon) (Nicholas), Powder to Cool the Liver, Powder to Cool the Heart, Powder of Three Sandalwood, Troches of Sandalwood (Mesue), Troches of Camphor (Unani), Pills of Camphor (Unani)
Additions
1. Spotted Fevers, add Saffron (or Safflower)
2. Toxic Fever, add Bezoar
3. High Fever with Restlessness, add Pearl
4. King and Minister 5, adds Saffron (or Safflower) and Bezoar
5. King and Minister 7, adds Musk and Bile to King and Minister 5.
6. King and Minister 9 adds Picrorrhiza and Swertia to King and Minister 7.
7. Pills of Camphor (Unani) adds Pumpkin seed kernel, Tragacanth and Starch for use in Fever.
8. Add Rose, Saffron and Red Sandalwood for Burning and Spotted Fever (Troches of Rose)
9. For Liver Heat, add Yellow and Red Sandalwood, Rose, Red Coral (as in Powder to Cool the Liver)