This formula is a variant of Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (Five Ingredients Drink to Eliminate Toxin) from the 'Golden Mirror of Medicine' (yi zong jin jian), 1742 CE. It is simple formula with a clear-cut single action: clearing Heat Toxin (or Fire Toxin). It was originally prepared as a decoction to be drunk cold, together with about a half cup of rice wine. The latter served two purposes: a) to counteract the Cold action of the herbs on the Stomach and thus promote absorption into the bloodstream; b) to activate the Blood and enhance the local action of the formula.
The original has been modified with the addition of three ingredients: Bassia fruit (di fu zi), Sophora root (ku shen) and Glycyrrhiza root (gan cao). This enhances the formula's action and directs it to the skin, thus providing increased specificity for the treatment of various skin diseases due to the localized accumulation of Heat Toxin and Damp-Heat as listed above.
Clinically this formula may be used alone, or in combination with other compatible formulations in the treatment of various localised superficial purulent infections.
It is generally used in acute conditions, in which the health Qi (zheng qi) is robust, i.e. purely excess type syndromes. Patients with co-existing internal organ deficiency syndromes should be monitored carefully for such symptoms as loss of appetite, poor digestion, loose stools and fatigue while they are taking this formula (or any of the above combinations). If such symptoms arise during treatment, the dosage should be reduced and a suitable tonifying formula to promote digestion should be introduced such as DIGESTIVE TONIC Formula (CM155).
TCM ACTIONS
Clears Heat Toxin and Damp-Heat from the skin, cools the Blood and reduces swelling.
TCM SYNDROMES
Localised Damp-Heat and Toxin in the skin.
INDICATIONS
Early stage carbuncle or furuncle, cellulitis, erysipelas, acute lymphangitis, mastitis, conjunctivitis.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)
Localised inflammatory skin lesions with erythema, swelling, heat and pain
Fever possibly also with chills
Red tongue with a yellow coat
Rapid pulse that may also be forceful
