Mai Men Dong Tang

(Ophiopogonis Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Gently Disperse and Moisten Dryness

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Dry red tongue with little coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Deficient rapid pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This section is being researched, and is not completed.
• This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Modern dosage for Da Zao is 4 pieces.

Originally Appeared In:

• Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (6 Total):

	Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) Qty: 15-18 grams Chan: SP, ST, HT (LU) Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Cold Latin: Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici Cat: Herbs that Tonify Yin
	Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) Qty: 6 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ginseng Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Geng Mi (Rice) Qty: 9-15 grams Chan: SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Cool Latin: Oryzae Semen Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Da Zao (Date, Jujube) Qty: 12 pieces Chan: SP, ST Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Gan Cao (Licorice Root) Qty: 6 grams Chan: All 12 (Primarily the LU, HT, SP, ST) Prop: Sweet, Neutral Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) Qty: 4.5-9 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.