This autumn season I will talk about a common formula I use here in this climate. I say “this climate” because I have a good friend in the Okanagan that does not get presented with the opportunity to prescribe this formula as much as I do. This formula is not necessarily specific to the fall, but it can be useful in wet weather – which coincides with our autumn here in the Comox Valley.
This simple formula was first referenced around 1800 years ago during the Han dynasty, in a book called the “Shang Han Za Bing Lun”.
The formula contains four ingredients:
Fúlíng – Poria
Guìzhī – Cinnamomi Ramulus – cinnamon twig
Báizhú – Atractylodis
Zhì gāncǎo – Glycrrhizae Radix – honey-fried licorice
Formula Breakdown:
Fúlíng is a bland mushroom that is commonly used in Chinese medicine. In this formula we use it to treat issues related to water metabolism and excess water within the body.
Guìzhī is a warm and pungent medicinal. It helps strengthen and circulate the warm energy of the body, known as Yáng Qì. Making sure it gets to where it needs to go.
Báizhú is a warm and bitter herb. It aids in water metabolism, dries up excess damp fluids and helps bank up fluids so they can go where they are needed.
Zhì gāncǎo is a sweet herb. It helps to moderate the pungent, bitter and warm actions of the other medicinals. It also aids in supporting our digestion – which is the center of a balanced body.
Formula function:
In a nutshell, this formula treats a breakdown in water metabolism, alongside a disturbance of the bodies Yáng Qì. There is an excess of water/dampness in the body, with a deficiency of Yáng Qì (energy, metabolic fire)
What can this look like?
Dizziness, vertigo, Meneires disease
Heart palpitations
Anxiety, panic attacks
Runny nose, phlegm, nasal congestion
Shortness of breath, cough with phlegm
Thirst
Tremors, restlessness
Edema, urination issues
In the clinic:
Most people do not have all of these symptoms. But they may have a few. I will use abdominal palpation, pulse diagnosis and detailed questioning to gather as much information from the patient as possible. If I find a pattern among someone that looks like too much water, and not enough warmth/fire. I may try this formula.
I have used this formula to successfully treat chronic sinusitis that flared in the fall and winter, as well as on rainy overcast days, panic attacks, sea sickness, fatigue, chronic cough, long Covid , night sweating, edema, vertigo, just to name a few!
If you are interested in hearing more about Chinese herbal medicine, feel free to book a free consultation with me by clicking on the link below. Lets see if it is a good fit for you!
Dr. Bob Malecki, Dr.TCM.