防风通圣散

3. Common modifications

• If there is no aversion to cold, Ma Huang (ephedra herb) may be removed.
• If internal heat is not severe, Shi Gao (gypsum) and Huang Qin (scutellaria root) may be removed.
• If constipation is not severe, Mang Xiao (mirabilite) may be removed.
• Modern applications: This formula is widely used for common cold, obesity, urticaria, eczema, acne, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia when these present with excess in both the exterior and interior and exuberant wind-heat.

4. Cautions and clinical notes

• Contraindications:
  • Use with caution or avoid in persons of weak constitution and in pregnant women.
  • Not suitable for those with exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating, or for those with underlying deficiency and loose stools.
  • This formula has strong purgative and dispersing action; discontinue once the disorder resolves and do not use for prolonged periods.

5. Granule conversion and dose

• Calculation of the total raw herb weight of the original formula:
  • Ma Huang (ephedra herb) 6 g + Fang Feng (siler root) 6 g + Jing Jie (schizonepeta herb) 6 g + Bo He (mint herb) 6 g + Da Huang (rhubarb root and rhizome) 6 g + Mang Xiao (mirabilite) 6 g + Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit) 6 g + Hua Shi (talc) 12 g + Shi Gao (gypsum) 12 g + Huang Qin (scutellaria root) 12 g + Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit) 6 g + Jie Geng (platycodon root) 12 g + Dang Gui (chinese angelica root) 6 g + Bai Shao (white peony root) 6 g + Chuan Xiong (chuanxiong rhizome) 6 g + Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome) 6 g + Gan Cao (licorice root) 10 g + Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) 3 g = 127 g.
• Conversion to 5:1 granules:
  • 127 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 25.4 g granules.
• Recommended dose:
  • One dose daily, dissolved in warm water and taken in 2-3 divided doses, 4-6 g per dose.
  • Or as directed by a physician. This formula is a heavy formula for resolving both the exterior and interior simultaneously; the dosage and duration of use must be strictly adjusted according to a physician's prescription and the patient's condition.