LOTUS STEM AND GINSENG COMBINATION (Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang)
Classical Formula
We are fast approaching the official beginning of summer (atleast in my part of the world), a time when people are easily dehydrated. Most Americans dont drink enough water as it is; then summer comes along and people start dropping like flies with the start of summer outdoor activities, being struck by heat stroke, summer-heat, dehydration, etc.
This combination is one of the classicla formulas; it is one of the formulas that a student might study, along side certain formulas like qi li san, which is sometimes used in martial arts for traumatic injury and makes up the base of some school's dit da jow.
The textbook actions of this formula are:
- Clear Summer heat and nourish the Qi.
- Replenish bodily fluids, demulcify and cool
It is indicated for those who fall prey to summer-heat, heat stroke, dehydration, high fever due to, or with excessive perspiration, thirst, nervousness and restlessness, and exhaustion as indicated by a red or pale tongue and a "thin rapid pulse". It can also be used to treat summer colds and flus, heat stroke and sun stroke. The below recipe is contraindicated for those whose conditions are nto caused by excessive heat exposure.
The Formula:
Watermelon Rind (Xi Gua Cui Yi) -- 10 grams.
American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) -- 2 g.
Lotus Stem (He Geng) -- 3 g.
Dendrobium (Shi Hu) -- 4 g.
Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong) -- 3 g.
Coptis (Huang Lian) -- 0.5 g.
Anemarrhea (Zhi Mu) -- 2 g.
Black Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye) -- 2 g.
Licorice (Gan Cao) -- 3 g.
Rice Sprouts (Jing Mi) -- 5 g.
Notice the watermelon rind in this recipe. Watermelon rind (as well as the fruit) are *very* good at hydrating and cooling the body from heat and summer-heat. If youre not interested in making the entire recipe but are interested in staying well hydrated, make sure and bring some watermelon with you when you go out, and eat into some of the rind when you finish the fruit. Combining this with a small amount of ginseng will help nourish the qi.
Sorry this installment is in so late from the last one...If anyoen has any requests or suggestions, please feel free to speak up.
