This prescription is aimed at treating specifically the headache deriving from Wind-Cold, and
not so much at releasing the Exterior although it will do that too.
- Chuan Xiong, Qiang Huo and Bai Zhi are aimed at treating the Greater Yang area and
expelling Wind. - Jing Jie, Xi Xin and Fang Feng expel Wind-Cold.
- Bo He expels Wind-Heat and is added here first of all to expel Wind, and secondly
because it affects the head and relieves headaches. - Gan Cao harmonizes and balances the other herbs.
- Green Tea is an integral part of the prescription to clear upwards towards the eyes and
head, thus relieving the headache. It is also added because it is cool and thus will balance
out the majority of the other herbs which are quite warm.
Variations
If there are pronounced symptoms and signs of invasion of the Defensive-Qi portion by
Wind-Cold (such as sneezing, cough and breathlessness), then the Ma Huang Tang Ephedra
Decoction can be used with suitable additions to affect the headache.
Herbs
Several herbs can be considered. We can classify the herbs according to the area affected, i.e.
Greater Yang, Lesser Yang or Bright Yang. These are:
- Greater Yang: Du Huo Radix Angelicae pubescentis, Qiang Huo Radix et Rhizoma
Notopterygii, Chuan Xiong Rhizoma Ligustici wallichii and Gao Ben Rhizoma et Radix
Ligustici sinensis. - Lesser Yang: Chai Hu Radix Bupleuri, Huang Qin Radix Scutellariae baicalensis and
Qing Hao Herba Artemisiae apiaceae. - Bright Yang: Sheng Ma Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Ge Gen Radix Puerariae and Bai Zhi
Radix Angelicae dahuricae.
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