越婢汤中石膏功用之我见

My view on Shigao’s function in Yuebi decoction

石膏泻火,众所周知。石膏疏风,鲜为人论。作为治疗风水的代表方,越婢汤中设石膏半斤可谓是组方的一大亮点,在诸多方解中言石膏"清泄郁火"存在多点疑惑。通过整理古今医家的论述,笔者持"石膏味辛微寒"之说,同时结合《黄帝内经》"风淫于内,治以辛凉"的思想,认为石膏在越婢汤中主要发挥其疏风之用,宣通腠理,透邪出表,使风邪水气从表而解。

It is well-know that Shigao(Gypsum Fibrosum) is effective in clearing internal heat. However its function of dispelling wind is seldom discussed. Its half-a-catty dosage in composing Yuebi decoction becomes the highlight of this formula which is a representative one for treating edema caused by wind. In various formula interpretations, there remain doubts as for Shigao’s function of "clearing depressed fire". By sorting out the related argumentations of ancient and modern physicians, the author holds the theory that "Shigao is pungent in taste and slightly cold in property". Meanwhile, with the thought of "treating wind pathogen with pungent and cold herbs" from Huangdi Neijing, the author believes that Shigao mainly exerts its function of dispelling wind in Yuebi decoction. It unblocks muscular interstices and expels superficial pathogenic factors so as to release the wind-water pathogens through the exterior.