Clear-Stewed Black-striped Snake Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Dispels wind-dampness and unblocks the meridians. Suitable for cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy
with a distinctly warm cast, the formula may aggravate dryness-heat; those prone to oral ulcers or constipation should be cautious; those who are robust with internal accumulated heat are not suited to this formula
Commentary
At the head stands Black-striped snake, the sovereign, of neutral nature and sweet flavor, entering the Liver; it dispels wind, unblocks the meridians, and stops spasms, underpinning the principal thrust of the decoction. The ministerial support — ginger (nature warm, flavor pungent, channeled into the Lung, Spleen, Stomach, disperses cold, relieves cough and harmonizes the stomach) — reinforces the sovereign’s main effect and coordinates the drug strength. The formula is rounded out by scallions, harmonizing the stomach and supporting dietary nourishment, and rice wine, acting as the envoy to harmonize the various ingredients, keeping the combination balanced and well-tempered. The combined effect is tailored to the kidney deficiency with wind-damp pattern.