Leek White, Dried Ginger, and Asarum Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Warms and unblocks the heart and kidneys. Indicated for rheumatic heart disease of the heart-kidney yang deficiency type, characterized by a sallow complexion, palpitations and shortness of breath, edema of the face and lower limbs, and in severe cases, coughing and wheezing that prevent lying flat, cold hands and feet, a pale tongue with a thin white coating, and a deep, fine, rapid pulse.
Leek White, Dried Ginger, and Asarum Decoction
Herbal Tea Name: Leek White, Dried Ginger, and Asarum Decoction
Chinese Name: 薤白干姜细辛饮
Formula
15 grams of Leek White, 3 grams of Asarum, 5 grams of Dried Ginger, 10 grams of Cinnamon Twig, and 20 grams of honey.Main Ingredients
How To Make
Wash the first four ingredients, place them in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for 40 minutes. Strain out the solids and retain the liquid. Once the decoction has cooled to lukewarm, stir in the honey to complete the preparation.
Efficacy
Warms and unblocks the heart and kidneys. Indicated for rheumatic heart disease of the heart-kidney yang deficiency type, characterized by a sallow complexion, palpitations and shortness of breath, edema of the face and lower limbs, and in severe cases, coughing and wheezing that prevent lying flat, cold hands and feet, a pale tongue with a thin white coating, and a deep, fine, rapid pulse.
Usage
Consume in two equal portions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Commentary
Leek White (Jiu-bai) serves as the monarch (chief) herb; warm and pungent in character, it channels into the Liver, Stomach meridians, working chiefly to warm the middle, disperse cold and activate blood. Asarum (Xi-xin) acts as the deputy ingredient; warm and pungent in character, it travels through the Heart, Lung, Kidney meridians to disperse cold, unblock the orifices and relieve pain. Dried Ginger (Gan-jiang) complements it, working to warm the middle and disperse cold, revive yang and dry dampness. Cinnamon Twig (Gui-zhi) functions as an assistant, acting to releases the exterior, warm the channels and free yang, thus refining the overall action. Finally, honey (Feng-mi) plays the envoy role, unifying the formula; its role is to moisten the lung and harmonize the formula and coordinate the herbs. In sum, the prescription warm and unblock the heart and kidneys, aimed squarely at the yang deficiency and yin pattern rather than at isolated symptoms.