The prescriptions for dispelling phlegm-dampness in the Treatise on Typhoid Fever include Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and Zhen Wu Tang, depending on the etiology and mechanism of the disease.
1. Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang: mainly composed of Poria, Gui Zhi, Atractylodes Macrocephalae, and Glycyrrhiza Uralensis, it has the effect of warming yang and resolving phlegm-drinking (warming up the yang qi in the body to promote the metabolism of water and liquid), strengthening the spleen and inducing diuresis, and it can be used to treat phlegm-drinking (a pathological product formed by the obstruction of the metabolism of water and liquid) with deficiency of the middle yang, which can be seen as the fullness of support of the thorax and hypochondrium, dizziness and palpitation, and shortness of Qi and cough.
2. Zhenwu Tang: mainly composed of Poria, Atractylodes macrocephala, Paeonia lactiflora, Ginger and Radix et Rhizoma Polygoni Multiflori, it has the effect of warming yang and inducing diuresis (replenishing yang qi in the body to promote the circulation of water and fluid).
Clinically, Zhenwu Tang can be used to treat Yang deficiency and water flooding (deficiency of Yang qi causing obstruction of water and liquid circulation in the body), symptoms include fear of cold, dysuria (irregular urination), palpitation and restlessness under the heart, dizziness, heavy and painful limbs, swelling, more below the waist; or abdominal pain, diarrhea; or coughing and vomiting.
The adverse reactions and contraindications of the above prescription are still unclear, and need to be used under the guidance of Chinese medicine doctor’s diagnosis, and should not be taken blindly on their own, so as not to affect the health of the body.