蠲痹汤

• Calculation of the total raw herb weight of the original formula (including ginger and jujube):

o Huang Qi (astragalus root) 15 g + Qiang Huo (notopterygium rhizome) 9 g + Fang Feng (saposhnikovia root) 9 g + Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root) 9 g + Chi Shao (red peony root) 6 g + Jiang Huang (turmeric rhizome) 6 g + Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root) 6 g + Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) 5 g + Da Zao (jujube) 3 g = 68 g.

• Conversion to 5:1 concentrated granules:

o 68 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 13.6 g granules.

• Recommended dose and method of administration:

o One dose per day, taken in 2 divided doses dissolved in warm water.

o Recommended to be taken after meals.

o Approximately 7 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

1. [Contraindication]: This formula is contraindicated in bi syndrome of the damp-heat or yin-deficiency-with-heat type (marked by red, swollen, hot, and painful joints, dry mouth, and a red tongue with yellow coating). This formula is warm and drying in nature and may readily generate heat and damage yin.
2. Dietary restrictions: Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods while taking this formula.
3. Modern applications: This formula is widely used for cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatic arthritis of the wind-cold-damp obstruction type accompanied by qi and blood insufficiency.
4. Duration of use: Bi syndrome is generally a chronic condition. It should be taken consistently for a certain duration under a physician's guidance, and may be combined with external therapies such as acupuncture and physical therapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.