Chen Xiang Tian Ma Tang 沉香天麻湯
Aloeswood and Gastrodia Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Wei Sheng Bao Jian (1281 CE)

Preparation:

Grind the herbs coarsely and boil the desired with 3 slices of fresh ginger.
Due to the toxicity of Aconite, today the 2 Aconite roots are prevailed before adding the remaining herbs. Aloeswood, is added towards the end to avoid loss of aromatics.

Function:

Settles Wind, Dries Damp and Phlegm, Disperses Cold, Stops Spasms

Use:

Upwards rolling of eyes, sound of phlegm rattling in the chest, confusion, with a deep, wiry and rapid pulse.
1. Epilepsy
2. Chronic Convulsions (including that caused by sudden extreme fright)
3. Muscle spasms
4. Tonic-clonic muscle contractions
5. stiffness along the spine, neck, and upper back, locking the body into an arched position
6. Tremors
7. Acute or chronic muscle twitching
8. Unresponsive psychological state due to phlegm clouding the sensory orifices

Dose:

1 qian (3 grams) can be decocted in water with 3 slices of fresh Ginger.
Today, the Aconites are usually boiled before adding the other herbs.

Cautions:

1. Avoid overdose due to Aconite.
2. Not used during Pregnancy
3. Not used in Heat conditions

Modifications:

Today, Aconites are sometimes replaced with other warming herbs such as Cinnamon and Ginger. Otherwise Aconite granules with standardised alkaloid content are used to avoid poisoning.

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