In the vast universe of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daqinglong Tang is undoubtedly a shining pearl. Although it is not often introduced in detail in modern Chinese medicine textbooks, experts always mention this classic prescription again when plague and pneumonia are prevalent. Today, we will explore the origin, efficacy and precautions of Daqinglong Tang in depth, and share some dietary therapy and health care solutions, so that this traditional medical wisdom can shine again in modern life.
Historical Background of Traditional Chinese Medicine Daqinglong Tang
The history of Daqinglong Decoction can be traced back to the Han Dynasty's Treatise on Febrile Diseases, an ancient medical work that records the clinical symptoms of typhoid fever and other diseases in detail. According to records, Daqinglong Decoction was mainly used to treat solar stroke. When patients showed symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, a tight pulse without sweating, and irritability, they were usually diagnosed with "sun disease." These symptoms indicate that the external cold has invaded, the Wei Qi has been restrained, and the internal Yang Qi is blocked, so it is necessary to use drugs to induce sweating to relieve the symptoms.
The composition and efficacy of Daqinglong Tang
The composition of Daqinglong Decoction is mainly aimed at clearing away heat and relieving symptoms. The typical composition includes several herbs such as ephedra, cinnamon twig, apricot kernel, gypsum, etc. The following is a detailed analysis of these ingredients and their effects:
Ephedra : As the main ingredient of Daqinglong Decoction, it has the effect of diaphoresis and can effectively promote the secretion of sweat glands and help the body expel external pathogens. Ephedra can also dilate the bronchi and is very effective in relieving respiratory symptoms such as cough and asthma.
Cinnamon twig : The warming effect of cinnamon twig can help to harmonize the Ying and Wei, release the restrained Yang, and relieve body pain. Especially during the cold period, cinnamon twig can effectively relieve general discomfort.
Almonds : Almonds can moisten the lungs and reduce phlegm. They are very effective for dry coughs and sore throats caused by external colds. They can also relieve tightness in the airways.
Gypsum : The heat-clearing effect of gypsum is particularly important for situations where internal heat and external cold are intertwined. It can effectively relieve symptoms such as fever and irritability.
The composition of Daqinglong Decoction is mainly aimed at clearing away heat and relieving symptoms. The synergistic effect of these herbs enables Daqinglong Decoction to quickly relieve typical symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches caused by wind and cold, and helps to expel external pathogens and restore the body's normal functions. According to the description in ancient books, its typical indications include:
Fever and chills : The patient clearly feels alternating cold and heat and has difficulty sweating.
Body aches : The body joints feel sore and the pain gets worse even with the slightest touch.
Pulse is tight and irritable : The pulse is tight and the patient is prone to anxiety.
The main function of Da Qing Long Tang is to dissipate wind and cold to relieve fever, helping the body to expel internal heat and restore health. Some people may feel chest heat and pain, which may last for a long time, but after taking "Da Qing Long Tang" once, it usually relieves quickly. Especially in relieving "fever" and "severe cough and asthma", the effect is very significant.
However, most Chinese medicine practitioners are cautious about using Daqinglong Decoction, or even dare not use it, because it is a strong prescription that "induces sweating, purgation, and diuresis." Due to its strong effect, it can quickly improve the condition.
The formula of Daqinglong Decoction is based on Mahuang Decoction, with the dosage of Mahuang increased, the dosage of almond reduced, and a large amount of gypsum, ginger and jujube added. In this prescription, the dosage of Mahuang reaches 6 liang, with a ratio of 3:1 with cassia twig, and ginger is added. This combination makes the sweating effect very strong, surpassing other prescriptions.
Daqinglong Decoction can be considered as a combination of "Mahuang Decoction" and "Yuebi Decoction", and is suitable for patients who have symptoms of both prescriptions. Ephedra and ginger are used heavily in the prescription, which have the effect of pungent and warm sweating, and can disperse the evil qi on the surface; gypsum is pungent and cold, which can clear the internal heat evil; licorice is used to harmonize the middle jiao. Ginger and jujube help to harmonize the nutrient and defensive, while almonds can relieve asthma.
This prescription is called "Da Qing Long" because it can expel evil spirits through sweat after taking it, just like a dragon rising and rain falling, quickly eliminating depression and heat in the body, hence the name. The contemporary master of classical prescriptions, Hao Wanshan, once mentioned that Da Qing Long Tang has the strongest sweating power. If you sweat after taking it for the first time, it is not recommended to use it again, even if the condition recurs slightly.
Precautions for use
Although Daqinglong Tang has excellent therapeutic effects, it still needs to be used with caution:
Symptom matching : Only suitable for symptoms with fever, chills, body aches and no sweating. If the pulse is weak, there is sweating and fear of wind, it is not suitable for use.
Observation of reactions : If you experience convulsions, muscle tension or discomfort after taking the medicine, stop taking it immediately and seek medical advice.
Diet therapy and health advice
In addition to using Daqinglong Soup, winter dietary therapy should also be incorporated into daily life to enhance immunity and improve health. The following are some simple and effective dietary therapy suggestions:
Ginger and red date soup : Ginger can warm the middle and dispel cold, while red dates have the effect of replenishing blood and calming the nerves. The combination of the two can enhance immunity and is suitable for drinking in cold seasons.
Mutton porridge : Mutton is warm in nature and can effectively dispel cold and warm the body. Adding rice to cook porridge can nourish the spleen and stomach and achieve a body-building effect.
Longan and lotus seed porridge : helps calm the mind and improve sleep
Summary:
Daqinglong Decoction is one of the important therapeutic prescriptions in the history of traditional Chinese medicine. When facing the invasion of external evils such as wind and cold, it can quickly play a role and help us get out of the trouble of illness. Understanding its origin and efficacy, and making good use of dietary therapy can not only help us better resist the cold, but also keep the body healthy. I hope that every reader can have a strong body and a calm mind in this cold season!