Zhì Bǎo Dān (至宝丹, Greatest Treasure Special Pill) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Open orifices category, with Shè Xiāng as chief herb. It contains Shè Xiāng, Bīng Piàn, Xī Jiǎo, Niú Huáng, Ān Xī Xiāng, Gǒu Jīn, Xióng Huáng, Zhū Shā, Hǔ Pò (amber), Xuán Shēn and Tài Yī Yú Liáng. Actions: opens orifices; transforms Phlegm; calms Shen; clears Heat and toxicity.
| Pinyin | Zhì Bǎo Dān (Zhi Bao Dan) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 至宝丹 |
| English | Greatest Treasure Special Pill |
| Category | Open orifices |
| Chief | Shè Xiāng |
| Tongue | Greasy coat |
| Pulse | Slippery, rapid |
| Cautions | Classical composition includes cinnabar (mercury), realgar (arsenic), rhinoceros horn and musk. Modern products substitute or omit these; the classical form is not for internal use. Emergency formula for use under specialist care. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Shè Xiāng | |
| Bīng Piàn | |
| Xī Jiǎo | |
| Niú Huáng | |
| Ān Xī Xiāng | |
| Gǒu Jīn | |
| Xióng Huáng | |
| Zhū Shā | |
| Hǔ Pò (amber) | |
| Xuán Shēn | |
| Tài Yī Yú Liáng |
Actions
Opens orifices; transforms Phlegm; calms Shen; clears Heat and toxicity
Indications
Phlegm-Heat misting orifices: loss of consciousness, high fever, delirium — where Phlegm is more prominent than in An Gong
Test yourself
What herbs are in Zhì Bǎo Dān?
Zhì Bǎo Dān contains Shè Xiāng, Bīng Piàn, Xī Jiǎo, Niú Huáng, Ān Xī Xiāng, Gǒu Jīn, Xióng Huáng, Zhū Shā, Hǔ Pò (amber), Xuán Shēn and Tài Yī Yú Liáng.
What is Zhì Bǎo Dān used for?
Phlegm-Heat misting orifices: loss of consciousness, high fever, delirium — where Phlegm is more prominent than in An Gong.
What are the actions of Zhì Bǎo Dān?
Opens orifices; transforms Phlegm; calms Shen; clears Heat and toxicity.
What tongue and pulse go with Zhì Bǎo Dān?
Tongue: Greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery, rapid.
Use Zhì Bǎo Dān in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.