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Xiang Ru San (香薷散) releases the exterior and scatters cold, transforms damp and harmonises the middle; the principal formula for the ‘summer cold’ – exterior wind-cold contracted in summer with internal damp.
English Name
Elsholtzia Powder
Classical Source
Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang, 1107
Ingredients
- Xiang Ru – chief; Bai Bian Dou (transform damp/harmonise middle)
- Hou Po (dry damp/move qi)
Actions & Functions
- Releases the exterior and scatters cold
- Transforms dampness and harmonises the middle
Indications
Summertime exterior cold with internal damp: chills and fever without sweating, a heavy head and body, abdominal fullness, nausea, and possibly vomiting or diarrhoea.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: white greasy coat. Pulse: floating.
Modifications
With more heat, add Huang Lian (Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin).
Cautions & Contraindications
For summertime wind-cold with damp; not for summerheat with profuse sweating.
