芍药汤

4. Granule conversion and dose

The dosage of each herb is:

• Bai Shao (white peony root): 20 g
• Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root): 10 g
• Huang Lian (coptis rhizome): 10 g
• Sheng Da Huang (raw rhubarb root and rhizome): 6 g
• Gan Cao (licorice root): 4 g
• Bing Lang (areca seed): 4 g
• Mu Xiang (costus root): 4 g
• Rou Gui (cinnamon bark): 3 g
• Huang Qin (scutellaria root): 1 g
• Total raw herb weight: 20+10+10+6+4+4+4+3+1 = 62 g

Converted to 5:1 granules:

62 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 12.4 g of granules.

Granule dosing: Dissolve in warm water and take in 2-3 doses.

• Twice daily, about 6 g per dose.
• Three times daily, about 4 g per dose.

(If dysentery is at its onset with severe abdominal pain, the frequency of dosing may be increased.)

5. Cautions and clinical notes

[Contraindications]:

1. Absolutely contraindicated in cold-deficiency type dysentery (thin, watery stool with white mucus, aversion to cold, cold limbs).
2. To be used with caution or avoided in pregnancy, as the formula contains Da Huang, Rou Gui, Dang Gui and other herbs that invigorate blood and have a precipitating action.

[Safety warnings]:

1. Sheng Da Huang in this formula has a precipitating (laxative) action; the dose used here is relatively light, intended to "use a precipitating method to treat precipitation." Some patients may experience increased bowel frequency after taking it; if purging is excessive, the dose should be reduced accordingly.
2. This formula is designed to expel pathogens and should be discontinued once the disorder resolves. It should not be taken in excess or for a prolonged period, to avoid damaging the Spleen and Stomach's righteous qi.

Modern applications: Mainly used for bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery, and acute enteritis, in patterns identified as damp-heat accumulation with disharmony of qi and blood, particularly where abdominal pain is a prominent symptom.

Duration of use: This formula is used for acute conditions and is generally taken for 3-5 days. It may be discontinued once abdominal pain, tenesmus, and dysentery symptoms have markedly improved. If there is no improvement after 3 days of use, or if symptoms worsen, discontinue use and seek medical attention.