It is advisable for mental workers to take brain-tonifying drugs regularly. This is especially true for those who often have dizziness, amnesia and insomnia. The following drugs may remedy hypotension, hypoglycemia, malnutrition of cardiac muscle and angina pectoris due to overuse of the brain. As for old people, these drugs may prevent and treat retardation of reaction as well as hypomnesia of senile dementia.
1. Yangshen Decoction, or Spirit-nourishing Decoction
The prescription is composed of 3g of Tianmendong(Radix Asparagi) , Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis) and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) respectively, 1.5g of Danshen (Radix Salviae Mittiorrhizae), 3g of Beimu (Bulbus Fritiltariae Thunbergii), 1.5g of Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis), 3g of Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) (parched with spirit) and Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) respectively, 1.5g of Shichangpu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei ), Wuweizi (Fructus Schisandarae) (9 in number), 3 slices of Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens). Decoct the ingredients for oral administration. Take it on a semi-empty stomach. More information, please continue to read Herba Epimedii (Yinyanghuo).
The prescription nourishes the heart yin and concurrently clears away asthenic fire. As for its actions, the book says "The prescription makes those diligent brain workers refreshed." It can be used as the health care drug for mental workers for prolonged administration. It is generally free from side effects. However, prolonged administration is not advisable for those with loose stool due to qi deficiency of the spleen and stomach.
2. Da Yizhi Powder, or Powder for Greatly Benefiting Intelligence
The prescription is composed of 60g of Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Baifuling (Poria) and Roucongrong (Herba Cistanchis) respectively, 25g of Tusizi (Semen Cuscutae) and Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae) respectively and 7.5g of Shechuangzi (Fructus Cnidii). Grind all the above ingredients into fine powder. Take the powder 3g each time with rice soup after the meal, twice a day. The dosage may also be reduced proportionally and decocted for oral administration. More information, please continue to read Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae (Yizhiren).
The prescription invigorates the kidney qi and benefits the kidney yin. It is especially applicable to dizziness, tinnitus, retardation of reaction, amnesia and mental retardation. The prescription also has better effects on those with concurrent symptoms of seminal emission, dizziness, fatigue, general tiredness and trance. The book records that hare meat and pork are contraindicated during the administration. This is only for the readers' reference. More information, please continue to read Cortex Eucommiae (Duzhong).
3. Kai Congming Prescription, or Intelligence-promoting Prescription
The prescription is composed of a proper amount of Hehuageng (Petiolus Nelumbinis) and Heshouwu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori). Dry Hehuageng ( Petiolus Nelumbinis) in the sun and grind it into powder, Then soak the powder and Heshouwu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori) together in boiling water. Take the drug frequently as tea.
Hehuageng (Petiolus Nelumbinis), the chief ingredient in the prescription, raises the pure qi. When pure qi is raised, phlegm retention will disappear by itself, inducing resuscitation consequently. Therefore, the book says "Prolonged administration makes ordinary people intelligent, and even the weak-minded become wise."
Of the patent Chinese drugs sold in the markets, Tianwang Buxin Bill (Cardiotonic Pill ), Kongsheng Zhenzhong Pill (Pill in Confucius'' Pillow), Guipi Pill (Pill for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart), Liuwei Dihuang Bolus (Bolus of Six Drugs Including Rehmannia), etc. all have the action of tonifying the brain and may be selected for use according to the special. More information, please continue to read Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui).