Er Zhu Tang

Er Zhu Tang (二术汤) is a classic formula from the Wan Bing Hui Chun, centered on drying dampness, transforming phlegm, dispelling wind and unblocking the collaterals for phlegm-fluid obstructing the collaterals with pain in both arms, difficulty raising them and finger numbness. Ping Wei San dries dampness and moves the Spleen, leaning to dampness stagnating the middle burner. Er Chen Tang dries dampness and transforms phlegm, leaning to phlegm-damp cough. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Er Zhu Tang. Use caution in yin deficiency and excess heat.

Classic composition: Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu, Nan Xing, Chen Pi, Fu Ling, Xiang Fu, Jiu Qin, Wei Ling Xian, Qiang Huo, Gan Cao, Ban Xia. It acts to dry dampness, transform phlegm, dispel wind and unblock the collaterals. It is used for phlegm-fluid obstructing the collaterals with pain in both arms, difficulty raising them and finger numbness, accompanied by obesity, fullness in the chest, dry mouth without desire to drink. Cang Zhu and Bai Zhu dry dampness; Nan Xing and Ban Xia transform phlegm; Chen Pi and Xiang Fu regulate qi; Fu Ling promotes urination; Wei Ling Xian and Qiang Huo dispel wind and unblock the collaterals; Jiu Qin clears damp-heat; Gan Cao harmonizes.

Cang Zhu is soaked in rice-wash water and fried; Ban Xia is ginger-prepared. Ping Wei San lacks heavy wind-dispelling and collateral-unblocking; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.