Preserve what is dwindling, relax what is tense: Fu Qingzhu'suse of Bai Zhu
Item
Title
Preserve what is dwindling, relax what is tense: Fu Qingzhu'suse of Bai Zhu
Description
Lantern (2019), Kalg, Andreas.
Source
Abstract
When I was asked to write a plant profile on one of Fu Qingzhu’s favored herbs I initially thought, “Fu Qingzhu likes to use herbs to supplement Liver blood and Kidney essences, such as Dang Gui (Angelicae sinensis Radix), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Shu Di (Rehmanniae Radix preparata), or Kidney yang and essence herbs such as Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen), Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex) and Ba Ji Tian (Morindae officinalis).” This is not unusual for the late Ming and early Qing dynasty. One could say that he was a moderate representative of the Warming and Tonifying School. But when I had a closer look at his prescriptions I noticed one herb that seemed to be characteristic for Fu Qingzhu: Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma). Bai Zhu is not a specific gynaecological herb since it has no direct effect on blood or Kidney essence. However, we can find this herb already in the gynaecology chapters of Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet). It can typically be found in classical perscriptions that deal with illness during pregnancy, such a Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Tangkuei and Peony Powder), Dang Gui San (Tangkuei Powder) and Bai Zhu San (Atractylodes Powder). In chapter 20 of the Jin Gui Yao Lue, Dang Gui Shao Yao San is recommended for abdominal pain during pregnancy, Dang Gui San for general complaints during pregnancy, and Bai Zhu San to nourish the foetus. All three prescriptions have in common their utility during pregnancy and the presence of Bai Zhu. So, we can conclude that Bai Zhu is an important herb in pregnancy.
Creator
Language
English
Date
Subject
volume
16
issue
2
page start
27
page end
30
Alternative Title
Lantern
Date Created
10/1/2019
Type
Journal Article
issn
1449-2717