筋骨风痛合剂

• Tongue: Pale or red tongue body, with white greasy or yellow greasy coating.
• Pulse: Wiry and tight, or soggy and rapid.

4. Granule conversion and dose

Dosage of each herb:

• Du Huo (pubescent angelica root): 18 g
• Chuan Niu Xi (Sichuan achyranthes root): 18 g
• Cang Zhu (atractylodes rhizome): 16 g
• Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig): 12 g
• Wei Ling Xian (clematis root): 12 g
• Long Dan Cao (gentian root): 12 g
• Sang Ji Sheng (mulberry mistletoe): 12 g
• Gan Cao (licorice root): 12 g
• Gan Jiang (dried ginger): 10 g
• Total raw herb weight: 18+18+16+12+12+12+12+12+10 = 122 g

Converted to 5:1 granules:

122 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 24.4 g granules.

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

• Twice daily, about 12 g per dose.
• Three times daily, about 8 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

Contraindications:

1. Use with caution or avoid in patterns of yin deficiency with effulgent heat (marked by tidal fever, night sweats, red tongue with scant coating) or blood deficiency with wind-dryness.
2. Use with caution during pregnancy, as the formula contains blood-moving and free-flowing substances such as Niu Xi and Wei Ling Xian.

Safety warnings:

1. Long Dan Cao in the formula is intensely bitter and cold, and easily damages the Spleen and Stomach; it should not be taken for a prolonged period.
2. This is a formula for active treatment and should be discontinued once the condition resolves. After the painful obstruction (Bi) symptoms are relieved, the prescription should be adjusted to a milder, more moderate regulating formula.

Modern applications: Mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, and lumbar muscle strain, in patterns identified as wind-cold-damp Bi with concurrent damp-heat or Liver-Kidney insufficiency.

Duration of use: For the acute stage or when symptoms are pronounced, typically taken for 2-4 weeks. Discontinue or adjust the regimen immediately once symptoms are relieved.