The focus of Subdue Internal Wind (Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang) is to purge accumulated Wind and Phlegm, and to address the underlying Spleen Qi deficiency that is the root of the pattern. Gastrodia rhizome transforms Phlegm and extinguishes Wind. Ginger cured Pinellia rhizome dries Damp, transforms Phlegm, and directs rebellious Qi downward. Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit assists in restoring the normal descent of Qi and the transformation of Phlegm. Poria supports the Spleen, reducing the formation of Damp. Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome tonifies the Qi, while Chinese licorice root and rhizome harmonizes the formula and gently tonifies the Qi. White atractylodes rhizome provides further Spleen support, and dries and dispels Damp in the Middle Burner. The following herbs have been added to further strengthen the formula’s secondary functions of draining Damp, clearing Heat and preventing stasis. Asian water plantain rhizome drains Damp via the Bladder, while Phellodendron bark and Chinese skullcap root clear Heat that has accumulated. Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome dispels and dries Damp in the Middle Burner, while dry fried Barley sprout and medicated leaven support normal Stomach function and help to prevent food stasis.
