Zi Xue

Zi Xue (Purple Snow), from the Wai Tai Mi Yao (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) by Wang Tao.

Actions: Clears heat and opens the sensory orifices; Stops convulsions and calms the shen (spirit).

Presentation: Febrile disorders with heat attacking the Pericardium and rise of Liver wind: high fever, irritability, restlessness, altered consciousness, delirium, convulsions, thirst, dry lips, dysuria, constipation, infantile seizures, and epilepsy.

Cautions:

• Discontinue once the desired effect is achieved; prolonged or large-dose use may cause profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, icy extremities, hurried breathing, palpitations, dizziness and vertigo
• Contraindicated during pregnancy
• Avoid spicy, pungent, oily and greasy foods while taking it

Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 752.

Crush the minerals (Shi Gao, Huang Jin, Han Shui Shi, Hua Shi, Ci Shi) and cook three times; add Xuan Shen, Mu Xiang, Chen Xiang, Sheng Ma, Zhi Gan Cao and Ding Xiang and cook three times; strain and reduce to a paste. Blend in powdered Xiao Shi and Po Xiao, dry and powder. Add powdered Xi Jiao, Ling Yang Jiao, shui fei-refined Zhu Sha and She Xiang; sieve. Take 1.5-3g twice daily; reduce for children.