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All cases of diarrhea and dysentery are attributed to dampness. There are five types of symptoms, and the treatment principles focus on separating and draining fluids (Fenli) and lifting Qi (Shengti).

If the stool is clear and white, or if there is anorexia, indigestion, abdominal pain, cold limbs, a pale complexion, and thirst, this is Cold-Dampness syndrome. This type of condition often occurs in winter. It can be stopped by using Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) as a vehicle to swallow Li Zhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill). If the cold is severe and the diarrhea persists, adding one slice of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) to Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) will yield immediate results.

If the diarrhea is profuse with yellow watery stools, whether accompanied by thirst or not, this is Wind-Dampness syndrome. This type of condition often occurs in spring. It is treated with Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) added with Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome).

If the diarrhea consists of clear water without abdominal pain, this is Pure Dampness syndrome. It is treated with Wei Ling Tang (Stomach-Ling Decoction).

If the diarrhea causes intestinal slipping and cannot stop, this indicates that dampness has damaged the Yuan Qi (Original Qi), causing Qi sinking. The method should be to lift and raise. It is treated with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) added with Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Wumei (Mume Fruit). Alternatively, it can be treated by swallowing Qi Wei Rou Dou Kou Wan (Seven-Ingredient Myristica Pill) with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction).

If the diarrhea has a sour and foul odor, accompanied by abdominal pain, a sallow complexion with heat signs, and aversion to food, this is Food Stagnation syndrome. First, use Ding Xian Pi Ji Wan (Dingxiang Spleen-Stagnation Pill) to expel the stagnation, and then regulate with Sang Sheng Wan (Mulberry Sage Pill).

If diarrhea has persisted for a long time, presenting with dull eyes, slightly open mouth, cold limbs, and lethargy, it is regulated with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction). Frequent administration is effective. For severe cases, add one slice of Shu Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) and take it with Wei Jiang (Baked Ginger).

If diarrhea has persisted for a long time with unremitting body heat, only Tiao Yuan Tang (Regulate Origin Decoction) should be used. This is Deficiency Heat syndrome; cold and cooling herbs should not be used recklessly. For severe cases, adding Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) yields results.

After prolonged diarrhea, when the person's vital energy is weak and depleted, Ji Sheng Wan (Collective Sage Pill) is used for regulation.

(Enter Bladder Meridian and Kidney Meridian.)
Zhuling (Polyporus), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Chifuling (Red Poria), Guigui (Cinnamon Twig). These are herbs that separate and drain Yin and Yang. Decoct with one cup of water and take orally.

(Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), added with Sharen (Amomum Fruit), Huoxiang (Pogostemon Herb), Wumei (Mume Fruit), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), Zhuling (Polyporus), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome)).

(This medicine is cold in nature, thus treating heat.)
Hanshui Shi (Calcitum), Huashi (Talcum), each 1 liang; Gancao (Licorice Root) 5 qian. Grind into powder. Take 1 qian per dose, mixed with cold water, or decoct this medicine and use the liquid to swallow Li Zhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill).