Open the Sensory Orifices — herbs and formulas (开窍剂)
A small, specialised category — emergency formulas that revive consciousness in acute presentations of Phlegm or Heat obstructing the Heart orifices. Mostly historical / hospital-use; modern practice uses safer modified versions.
Herbs in this category
The following individual herbs belong to this category in the Chinese Materia Medica:
- Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Rhizome)
Formulas in this category
The following classical and modern formulas in this category are detailed individually in the formula directory:
- An Gong Niu Huang Wan — severe Heat invading Pericardium
- Zi Xue Dan — high-fever delirium with convulsions
- Zhi Bao Dan — balanced cooling-and-opening for Heat-induced coma
- Su He Xiang Wan — cold Phlegm misting the orifices
Browse the full formula directory for over 260 individual formula pages.
When this category is used
Formulas that Open the Sensory Orifices are typically prescribed for: stroke acute phase, acute febrile delirium, drug overdose (adjunctive emergency). The choice of specific formula within the category is determined by precise Eight Principles pattern differentiation in clinical consultation.
About prescribing
Chinese herbal formulas are dispensed by qualified practitioners following individual TCM diagnosis. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
Return to the Chinese herbal medicine main page or browse individual herbs.
