Er Chou Life-Saving Pill，From *Yu’an*, Volume 5.，For qi-type and blood-type gu, obstruction of urination and defecation, swelling of the face and feet, a distended abdomen with visible blue veins, phlegm-induced wheezing and shortness of breath, and inability to eat or drink.
Er Chou Life-Saving Pill
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Formulas Name : Er Chou Life-Saving Pill
Chinese Name : 二丑夺命丹
Drug Formulation
1 liang of Akebia stem, 1 liang of Cyperus rhizome (stir-fried with vinegar), 1 liang of rhubarb, 1 liang of cardamom (stir-fried), 1 liang of Datura flower, 1 liang of areca nut, 1 liang of Alisma rhizome (hairs removed), 1 liang of red-bud Euphorbia, 1 liang of small soapberry, 1 liang of Euphorbia, 5 qian of black Chou (stir-fried), 5 qian of white Chou (raw), and 3 qian of Leiwan.
Source
From *Yu’an*, Volume 5.
Processing
Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder. Mix with white wine and old rice to form a paste, then roll into pills.
Benefits
For qi-type and blood-type gu, obstruction of urination and defecation, swelling of the face and feet, a distended abdomen with visible blue veins, phlegm-induced wheezing and shortness of breath, and inability to eat or drink.
Instructions for Use
Take 2 qian per dose, washed down with white wine. This will induce 3–4 bowel movements. On the second day, take the Spleen-Tonifying Pills; on the third day, take another 1 qian and 5 fen. Observe what is expelled: for blood-type gu, blood is expelled; for qi-type gu, there is excessive flatulence; for water-type gu, there is excessive fluid; for food-type gu, there is excessive feces. If bloating and swelling persist after taking this medicine, boil water with aged wall soil and drink it; the swelling will then subside.
Note
Avoid salt, soy sauce, foods that trigger allergic reactions, meat and fish, and sexual activity for 100 days.
Copyright: Excerpt from From *Yu’an*, Volume 5., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 24, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 24, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 24, 2026
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Er Chou Life-Saving Pill,For qi-type and blood-type gu, obstruction of urination and defecation, swelling of the face and feet, a distended abdomen with visible blue veins, phlegm-induced wheezing and shortness of breath, and inability to eat or drink.