ER CHEN TANG CAPS 120'S, BLUE POPPY

Rx:

Fu Ling (Poria)
Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)
Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae)
Sheng Jiang (uncooked Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Functions: Dries dampness and transforms phlegm, rectifies the qi and harmonizes the center

Indications: Phlegm and dampness manifesting as chronic tracheitis, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, goiter, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, eclampsia, hangover, gastroptosis, Meniere's disease, neurosis, etc.

Signs & symptoms of phlegm include:

• Profuse, white or clear phlegm

• The sound of phlegm in the throat

• Chest and diaphragm glomus and oppression

• Possible nausea and vomiting

• Palpable nodulations

• Slimy tongue fur

• A slippery pulse

Signs & symptoms of dampness include:

• Swelling and edema

• Bodily heaviness

• Possible nausea and vomiting

• An enlarged tongue with teeth-marks on its edges and possible slimy fur

• A fine, possibly slippery, or possibly soft pulse

Formula explanation: Within this formula, Ban Xia is the sovereign. It is acrid and warm and its nature is drying. It is able to dry dampness and transform phlegm as well as to downbear counterflow and harmonize the stomach and thus stop vomiting. Chen Pi is the minister. It rectifies the qi and dries dampness. It aids in normalizing the qi and dispersing phlegm. The assistants are Fu Ling and Sheng Jiang. Fu Ling fortifies the spleen and seeps dampness. Once dampness is removed, the spleen may become effulgent and phlegm can no longer be engendered. Sheng Jiang downbears counterflow and transforms rheum. It is also able to neutralize the toxins in Ban Xia. It also helps Ban Xia and Chen Pi move the qi and disperse phlegm. Gan Cao is the envoy or guide. It regulates and harmonizes all these other medicinals.

Dosage: According to Him-che Yeung in Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas, Vol. 2, the standard daily dose in decoction for this formula is 36 grams. Because of the 10:1 concentration ratio and the efficiency of our manufacturing process it would take only 5 capsules per day of Blue Poppy's version of this formula to equal the standard daily dose. The actual prescribed dose should be determined by the practitioner on a case by case basis.