The Applicability of Keishi-ninjin-to for the Common Cold Syndrome / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Keishininjin-to (Formula Ginseng and Cinnamomi) can be used to treat colds where internal digestive system symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain accompany the symptoms of the exterior or superficies. This use of Keishininjin-to is probably based on the concept that there is external heat complicating the typical internal cold indicating use of Ninjin-to (Formula Ginseng), or it may be induced from the crude herbs comprising Keishininjin-to.<br>In Kampo medicine, the concept of complications is one of the pathophysiological theories governing treatment principles. The treatment principles regarding complications are 1. Sengo (a system of priorities consisting of Senhyokori (treating exterior symptoms before interior), Senkyu kokan (acute before chronic) and Sengai konai (external before internal); 2. Goho (combining formulas according to stage, i. e., Dobyoinai (in the same stage) or Ibyoikan (between stage); 3. Creation of a special formula. Keishininjin-to follows the third principle; it is a special formula created by slightly increasing the Glycyrrhizae Radix in Ninjin-to and adding Cinnamomi Cortex. It is intended to treat both exterior and interior symptoms in complications of Taiyo-keishi-to-sho and Taiin-ninjin-to-sho. Of the four patients involved in this study, cases one, two and three were treated according to this principle. Case four was treated with Keikyososooshinbu-to, as the symptoms were thought to indicate a combination of Taiyo-keishi-kyoshakuyaku-to-sho and Shoin-maosaishinbushi-to-sho. In all cases, improvement in the patients' condition was seen shortly after commencement of the Kampo formula administration.