Three-Ingredient Emergency Pills，From *The Golden Chamber* (Volume 2).，For cold-induced stagnation and accumulation, sudden distension and pain in the chest and abdomen, a distended and protruding epigastrium, obstruction of urination and defecation; in severe cases, pain like being pierced by an awl, a cyanotic face with shortness of breath, or lockjaw with sudden syncope, a white tongue coating, and a deep, tight pulse. Currently used for acute intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis, and food poisoning resulting from cold accumulation and cold-induced stagnation in robust individuals.All sudden and acute diseases of the chest and abdomen; sudden stroke, evil wind, or pathogenic factors; loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness. Dry cholera; various diseases of the chest and abdomen; and colicky pain.Dry cholera, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, cramping and stabbing pain, cold and numb hands and feet; in severe cases, profuse sweating, inability to pass urine or stool, inability to induce vomiting or diarrhea; if not treated immediately, there is a risk to life, leading to sudden death or cases where the mouth is clenched shut due to external pathogenic factors. Throat obstruction preventing the passage of water or food: in children, a swollen tongue filling the mouth.
Three-Ingredient Emergency Pills
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Formulas Name : Three-Ingredient Emergency Pills
Chinese Name : 三物备急丸
Drug Formulation
Rhubarb 1 liang, Dried Ginger 1 liang, Croton Seed 1 liang (remove skin and core, roast, then grind externally until smooth like fat).
Source
From *The Golden Chamber* (Volume 2).
Processing
All ingredients must be fresh and of high quality. First, pound rhubarb and dried ginger into a fine powder; then grind croton seeds and mix them in. Pound the mixture thoroughly with a pestle 1,000 times, then mix with refined honey to form pills. Store them in an airtight container to prevent leakage.
Benefits
For cold-induced stagnation and accumulation, sudden distension and pain in the chest and abdomen, a distended and protruding epigastrium, obstruction of urination and defecation; in severe cases, pain like being pierced by an awl, a cyanotic face with shortness of breath, or lockjaw with sudden syncope, a white tongue coating, and a deep, tight pulse. Currently used for acute intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis, and food poisoning resulting from cold accumulation and cold-induced stagnation in robust individuals.All sudden and acute diseases of the chest and abdomen; sudden stroke, evil wind, or pathogenic factors; loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness. Dry cholera; various diseases of the chest and abdomen; and colicky pain.Dry cholera, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, cramping and stabbing pain, cold and numb hands and feet; in severe cases, profuse sweating, inability to pass urine or stool, inability to induce vomiting or diarrhea; if not treated immediately, there is a risk to life, leading to sudden death or cases where the mouth is clenched shut due to external pathogenic factors. Throat obstruction preventing the passage of water or food: in children, a swollen tongue filling the mouth.
Instructions for Use
If afflicted by sudden evil or external obstruction, with distension in the chest and abdomen, sudden pain like being pierced by an awl, shortness of breath, and a clenched jaw—or if the patient has already died and the body is still lying there—administer 3–4 pills, each the size of a soybean, with warm water or wine. If the patient cannot swallow them, lift their head and pour the mixture down their throat; recovery should follow within moments. If not cured, administer another 3 pills; when rumbling sounds are heard in the abdomen, vomiting and bowel movements will follow, and the patient will recover. If the jaw is clenched, the pills must be crushed and forced down the throat.
Note
Pregnant women must not take this medicine. The Emergency Pills are a potent remedy for cold-induced solid masses and accumulations. In cases of typhoid fever where the heat has spread to the stomach and intestines, presenting with a yellow-black, cracked, and scaly tongue coating and red, dry lips and mouth, incorrect use will inevitably lead to death.
Copyright: Excerpt from From *The Golden Chamber* (Volume 2)., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 31, 2026
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Three-Ingredient Emergency Pills,For cold-induced stagnation and accumulation, sudden distension and pain in the chest and abdomen, a distended and protruding epigastrium, obstruction of urination and defecation; in severe cases, pain like being pierced by an awl, a cyanotic face with shortness of breath, or lockjaw with sudden syncope, a white tongue coating, and a deep, tight pulse. Currently used for acute intestinal obstruction, acute pancreatitis, and food poisoning resulting from cold accumulation and cold-induced stagnation in robust individuals.All sudden and acute diseases of the chest and abdomen; sudden stroke, evil wind, or pathogenic factors; loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness. Dry cholera; various diseases of the chest and abdomen; and colicky pain.Dry cholera, distension and fullness in the chest and abdomen, cramping and stabbing pain, cold and numb hands and feet; in severe cases, profuse sweating, inability to pass urine or stool, inability to induce vomiting or diarrhea; if not treated immediately, there is a risk to life, leading to sudden death or cases where the mouth is clenched shut due to external pathogenic factors. Throat obstruction preventing the passage of water or food: in children, a swollen tongue filling the mouth.