Ancient Cha Herbal Formulas: Enhancing the 24 Effects, Part Two
Brenton Harvey, LAc, CH;
Hong Ji
Editor's note: The effects of cha herbal formulas are numerous and well-known. This three-part article discusses 24 of the most well-known effects of cha herbal formulas, including ingredients, dosage, preparation and functions. Each part will discuss eight effects from cha formulas. For a description of the first eight effects, please see part one of this article.
Effects of Cha Herbal Formulas
9. Digest Food (Xiao Shi) Effect
A. Wu Hu Tang
Preparation: Cook herbs, add ginger root and raw sugar.
10. Sober Drunkenness (Xiu Jiu) Effect
Preparation: Add rock sugar to taste. This beverage is served in bars and nightclubs in China at the end of the evening.
11. Break Down Oils and Fats (Qu Fei Ni) Effect
Pu erh cha is well-known through-out China and especially in Mongolia for aiding in the digestion of blood fat (cholesterol) that results from a diet high in meat.
12. Move Qi Down (Xia Qi) Effect
A. Chuan Ya Bu Fang
Preparation: Dry-fry sugar and salt, and then add other herbs and grind into powder. Take 9 grams, powder draft.
Function: Treats intestinal parasites.
13. Move Water Down (Li Shui) Effect
A. Hai Jin Sha San Fan
Preparation: Grind into powder; 9g per dose, decocted with sheng jiang and gan cao. Take as much as is needed until it causes patient to urinate.
Function: Treats inability to urinate, especially with bloating below the navel.
14. Evacuate Bowels (Tong Bian) Effect
A. Guo Ji Zhong Fu Ren Fang
Preparation: Grind into powder. Take with green tea. Do not use with da huang (rx rhubarb).
Function: Relieves postpartum constipation.
15. Treat Dysentery (Zhi Li) Effect
For Damp Heat Toxic Invasion Type:
A. Shi Liao Ben Cao Fang
Preparation: Dry-fry in sheng jiang juice. Grind into powder. Take in strong doses.
Function: Treats acute or chronic dysentery.
For Five-Colors Diarrhea:
B. Ci Hui Xiao Bian Fang
Preparation: Decoct the herbs together and drink.
Function: Quickly resolves acute dysentery with blood, pus, phlegm, etc.
For Chronic Dysentery:
C. Feng Lian Tang Mi Fang
Preparation: Decoct in water. Take three times a day.
16. Break Down Phlegm (Qu Tan) Effect
A. Rui Zu Tang Jing Yan Fang
Preparation: Grind into powder and put into bowl. Add boiling water. Place lid on bowl. Drink before bed.
Function: Phlegm cough due to excess phlegm heat with inability to sleep.
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