Zhuye Shigao Tang – Nan Kaiyang

Author: Nan Kaiyang  Editor: Gu Yuxi Translator: Gu Yuxi

Original Text:

Article 397: After Shanghan (febrile disease) resolves, if there’s emaciation, shortness of breath, and qi adverse flow causing nausea/vomiting, Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf Gypsum Decoction) is indicated.

Pattern Differentiation:

After a Shanghan illness, the body experiences deficiency of both qi and yin, with residual heat not yet cleared. Both fluids and qi are injured, failing to nourish the body. Due to insufficient middle qi, there is shortness of breath (not based on the Zhi Gancao Tang pattern of heart qi deficiency with shortness of breath and palpitations). The injury to both qi and fluids leads to the generation of internal vacuity heat, causing the stomach qi to lose its ascending and descending functions.

As Zhang Xichun mentioned in “Direct Interpretation of the Shanghan Lun: Differentiation of Relapse after Yin-Yang Imbalance, Labor, and Pulse Patterns”: “This is a heat pattern. After Shanghan resolves, blood and qi are deficient, unable to fill the muscles and penetrate the skin, hence the body is emaciated and thin. Shortness of breath indicates middle qi deficiency. If there’s cold in the stomach, there’s a tendency to salivate; if there’s heat in the stomach, qi flows adversely causing nausea/vomiting. This is vacuity heat, and Zhuye Shigao Tang is indicated.”

Herb Interpretation:

1. Shigao (Gypsum) and Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf): These two herbs are essential in this formula for clearing vacuity vexation and dry heat.

2. Maimendong (Ophiopogon Root), Renshen (Ginseng), Zhi Gancao (Prepared Licorice Root): These moisten stomach yin to generate fluids, preventing emaciation and shortness of breath, and guarding against residual heat invading the stomach which could trigger vomiting or adverse qi flow.

3. Jingmi (Polished Round-grained Rice) and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber): These protect the stomach and direct rebellious qi downwards, acting as a buffer to soothe the stomach’s weakness from the herbs, avoiding the situation where a deficient body cannot tolerate tonification.

Disclaimer:​

The experiences and insights shared above represent the author’s personal usage and understanding, and are provided for reference only as part of academic exchange. Please do not blindly replicate or apply them; any consequences arising from such actions are solely your responsibility. As individual constitutions vary, medication should be tailored accordingly. It is advisable to use such treatments under the guidance of a qualified physician. If you have additional experiences to share, comments and submissions are welcome.​
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