Objective: To analyze the characteristics of the use of Xuan Shen in the Book of Discipline by Chen Shiduo. METHODS: A database of prescriptions containing Xuan Shen was established by using Excel to collect and collate the prescriptions in The Book of Discipline; the data on the main symptoms, doses (high dose, common dose and small dose) and combinations of Xuan Shen were analyzed, and the directions of the efficacy of Xuan Shen at different doses were explored. Results: In the Book of Discernment, Xuan Shen is most commonly used for treating blood, fire and heat, spring temperature, impotence, acne and thirst, and other diseases with a high level of fire and heat and a deficiency of yin. The common combinations of Xuan Shen are Mai Dong, Gan Cao, Shu Di, Sheng Di, Fu Ling and Ginseng, etc. According to Chen Shiduo, the functions of Xuan Shen are reflected in the words "clearing" and "nourishing", with clearing being the main purpose of clearing heat and cooling the blood. Chen Shiduo believed that the functions of Xuan Shen were reflected in the words "clearing" and "nourishing", with the main purpose of clearing heat and cooling the Blood, and the dosage being small. Conclusion: Chen Shiduo's experience in the use of Xuan Shen is worthy of study and reference.

Lihan Liu, Yaohui Li. An Exploration of the Medicinal Characteristics of Xuan Shen in the Book of Discernment. International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine (2022), Vol. 4, Issue 5: 51-59. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFM.2022.040510.

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