麦门冬汤

4. Granule conversion and dose

• Calculation of the original formula's total raw herb weight (including Da Zao):
  • Mai Men Dong (ophiopogon tuber) 42 g + Ren Shen (ginseng) 9 g + Geng Mi (polished rice) 9 g + Da Zao (jujube) 12 g + Ban Xia (pinellia rhizome) 6 g + Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root) 6 g = 84 g.
• Conversion to 5:1 granules:
  • 84 g raw herb ÷ 5 = 16.8 g granules.
• Recommended dose and method of administration:
  • One dose daily, taken in 2 divided doses dissolved in warm water.
  • Recommended to be taken after meals.
  • Each dose is 8.5 g.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

1. Contraindication: This formula is somewhat rich and moistening in nature; it is contraindicated for cough due to external wind-cold or for cough and dyspnea due to profuse phlegm-damp.
2. Safety warning: Ban Xia in this formula is toxic; ProCare Herbs granules must be prepared using processed Ban Xia (such as Fa Ban Xia or Jiang Ban Xia) to ensure safe use of the medication.
3. Modern applications: This formula is widely used for chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic pharyngitis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, and vomiting in pregnancy where these present with Lung-Stomach yin deficiency and upward counterflow of qi.
4. Duration of use: Yin deficiency is a chronic deficiency condition; the formula must be taken consistently for a certain course of treatment before results are seen.