### Yanghe Decoction: A classic prescription for warming yang and dispersing cold #### First paragraph: Summary of content Yanghe Decoction is one of the classic prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine. It comes from the "Surgical Syndrome and Treatment Complete Collection" of the Qing Dynasty. It consists of Rehmannia glutinosa, cinnamon, ephedra, antler glue, etc., and its core functions are:Warming yang, nourishing blood, dispersing cold and relieving stagnation, mainly used to treat deficiency and cold syndromes such as vaginal gangrene and cold abscess. It is characterized by "warming and nourishing without dryness", and improves the circulation of qi and blood by harmonizing the Yingwei and warming the meridians. The following starts with the composition of the prescription, applicable symptoms, modern applications and precautions, and analyzes its value and limitations in layers. #### The second paragraph: Prescription composition and compatibility principle Yanghe DecoctionRehmannia glutinosaIt is a royal medicine, nourishing yin and blood;Antler glueHelps yang and replenishes essence, both of which replenish the foundation of qi and blood. minister medicinecinnamonWarming the kidneys and dispersing cold,EphedraXuantonglili, supplemented bywhite mustard seedsResolving phlegm and dispersing stagnation,PaojiangWen Zhong returns to Yang. The compatibility of all prescriptions embodies the idea of ​​"seeking Yang from Yin", and is suitable for those with pale complexion, fear of cold and cold limbs, and local swelling and pain that is neither red nor hot. Modern research shows that its active ingredients can regulate immunity and promote tissue repair (see Table 1).

Main ingredients	Pharmacological effects
Rehmannia glutinosa	Promote hematopoiesis and anti-inflammation
Antler glue	Enhance bone metabolism and resist osteoporosis
cinnamon	Expand blood vessels and improve microcirculation

#### The third paragraph: Applicable symptoms and typical cases Yanghe DecoctionChronic osteomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritisThe effect is significant for those with deficiency and cold syndrome. Wang Hongxu, a physician in the Qing Dynasty, once recorded a case of treating "bone gangrene" (similar to bone tuberculosis). After taking it, the patient's cold phlegm was resolved, and the swelling and pain gradually disappeared. In modern clinical practice, it also has an auxiliary effect on lumbar disc herniation accompanied by chills, cold joint pain after childbirth, etc. However, strict syndrome differentiation is required to avoid misuse in patients with heat syndrome or yin deficiency and excessive fire. #### Paragraph 4: Modern Applications and Precautions In recent years, research has expanded Yanghe Tang toCancer adjuvant therapy(such as the type of deficiency and cold after breast cancer surgery), its yang-warming effect may alleviate the symptoms of yang deficiency after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Notes on use: ① Avoid using it with cold and cold medicines; ② Patients with high blood pressure should use ephedra with caution; ③ Avoid raw and cold food while taking the medicine. It is recommended to adjust the dosage under the guidance of a physician. The typical course of treatment is 2-4 weeks. #### Paragraph 5: Summary and Inheritance Value Yanghe Decoction demonstrates the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine in “removing cold with warmth”, and its exquisite compatibility is still a hot research topic in the academic community. Contemporary application needs to be combined with evidence-based medicine. For example, the "Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" pointed out in 2020 that this prescription combined with Western medicine can reduce the recurrence rate of chronic ulcers. As a cultural heritage, its value lies not only in its curative effect, but also in inspiring deep thinking on the "balance of yin and yang".References: 1. "Surgical Syndrome and Treatment Complete Collection" (Wang Weide, Qing Dynasty) 2. "Pharmacology and Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (People's Medical Publishing House, 2018) 3. China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Deficiency and Cold Syndrome" (2021 edition)