New Explanation of Jichuan Decoction（济川煎） / 中医杂志

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the interpretation of Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） by tracing its name's origin， exa-mining the original texts of herbs in the decoction within Jingyue's Complete Works（《景岳全书》）， exploring the debate on the sovereign drug of Danggui （Angelica sinensis ［Oliv.］ Diels） and Roucongrong （Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma）， and analyzing the historical discussions on the efficacy of the decoction. It is believed that the original meaning of the name Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） refers to its strategy for treating “deficiency constipation”， which can be described as “increasing water to navigating the boat”. Danggui （Angelica sinensis ［Oliv.］ Diels） is considered the sovereign herb for nourishing blood and moistening dryness， while Roucongrong （Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma） serves as the minister herb for moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It is concluded by the author that Jichuan Decoction （济川煎） does not primarily focus on warming the kidneys and assisting yang， but rather emphasizes nourishing blood， moistening dryness， and promoting bowel movements. Its main indication is constipation due to deficiency of yin and blood， which is supported by evidence from antiquarian materials.