Re-analysis on Heidan Disease (Black Jaundice) in <i>Synopsis of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue)</i>

Abstract

Heidan disease (black jaundice) is a kind of jaundice, which is caused by lingering and chronic jaundice, often with blood stasis and damp-heat, etc. The clinical symptoms of Heidan disease (black jaundice) are similar to those of cirrhosis caused by multiple chronic liver diseases in Western medicine. Heidan disease (black jaundice) generally belongs to yin jaundice type, and the pathogenesis is mostly related to blood stasis and dampness stagnation, often with damp-heat residue. According to Zhongjing Zhang, the prescription Xiaoshi Fanshi powder for the treatment of Heidan disease (black jaundice) is based on the understanding that the nature of Heidan disease (black jaundice) is inseparable from the two key pathological factors of dampness and blood stasis. The treatment of jaundice should be based on removing blood stasis and dampness, supplemented by soothing the liver and promoting the transportation function of spleen, removing blood stasis and harmonizing the collaterals, and promoting diuresis and reducing jaundice. In the treatment of jaundice, removing blood stasis and purging turbidity should be stressed, and powerful tonification should be used with caution. Since blood stasis and turbidity are always intermingling and often complicated with damp heat, the method of warm drying should be used with caution. For promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and dredging the liver-biliary collaterals, drastic medicine should be used with caution.

Keywords

• Heidan disease
• black jaundice
• Xiaoshi Fanshi powder
• chronic liver disease
• liver cirrhosis
• Yinshao Erjin decoction
• Yinchen Zhizi decoction
• Synopsis of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue)