[Interpreting the function of Pinellia-Prunella as a sleep aid].

This paper examined the related literature of Pinellia ternate and Prunella vulgaris, summarised the syndrome and treatment characteristics of refractory insomnia and analysed the clinical cases of refractory insomnia treated by modern well-known doctors. It was found that Pinellia ternate and Prunella vulgaris have unique advantages in treating refractory insomnia caused by phlegm and fire stagnation (TanHuo YuJie). In addition, it was found that the interpretation of this medicinal function in terms of sleep aid changed from 'regulating Yin and Yang' to 'treating based on syndrome differentiation'. This elaborated the influence of Chinese traditional culture and current clinical requirements on the functions of herbs. It indicates that the value and meaning of such a change in interpreting the function of Pinellia ternate and Prunella vulgaris on sleep aid is the in-depth integration of traditional Chinese culture and clinical requirements. This lays the groundwork for empirical research of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.