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Su Dongpo narrated: In the past, I observed Sanjian San (Three Jian Powder) from *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), believing it to be effective for various diseases. However, Sun Simiao wrote an essay stating that the dosage and regulation of this prescription are contrary to human nature, yet in emergency rescue, its efficacy is exceptionally distinct. Thus, one knows that divine medicines manifest their spiritual efficacy without being bound by conventional systems; profound medical principles relate to resonance, which wisdom cannot fully comprehend. The Shengsanzi Formula (Holy Dispersion Formula) I obtained now is likely of this category. Since ancient times, when discussing diseases, only Shanghan (Cold Damage) has been extremely critical. Regarding exterior and interior, deficiency and excess, the number of days, and symptom manifestations, if the methods of sweating or purging are mistaken by even a hair's breadth, it leads to untreatable conditions. However, those who use Shengsanzi Formula do not inquire about these distinctions at all. Whether it is Yin or Yang infection, whether male or female conditions transform into each other, and even when symptoms are extremely critical, after drinking several doses continuously, sweat will emerge, Qi will flow freely, diet will gradually improve, and the spirit and demeanor will completely recover. No other medicines are needed; continuous administration leads to recovery. For milder cases, slight sweating on the forehead suffices, leaving the patient perfectly healthy. The medicinal properties are slightly warm, yet for conditions like Yang Du (Yang Toxin) causing madness, one feels cool immediately upon ingestion. This cannot be questioned by ordinary reasoning. During the epidemic, one pot was boiled at dawn. Regardless of age or status, everyone drank a large cup, ensuring that seasonal pathogens did not enter their homes. When healthy, taking one dose on an empty stomach makes food taste delicious and prevents all diseases. It is truly a treasure for saving the world and preserving health. The origin of this formula is unknown, so Lord Chao treasured it for generations, using it to treat this disease with a success rate of nearly one hundred percent. After obtaining it, I was demoted to Huangzhou, where major epidemics occurred for consecutive years. The number of people saved was incalculable. Lord Chao initially cherished this formula greatly, swearing by the river water that he would not pass it on. I earnestly persuaded him, and thus he passed it to Pang Anchang of Qishui. Pang was famous for his medical skills and good at writing books, so I accepted the transmission. And may Lord Chao's name remain immortal along with this formula. The ingredients follow below.

Caodoukou (Grass Cardamom Seed, Ten pieces) Zhu Ling (Polyporus Umbellatus, peeled) Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) Fuling (Poria) Gaoliangjiang (Galangal Rhizome, chopped and stir-fried) Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix, processed, peeled, and navel removed) Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed) Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, prepared with ginger juice and stir-fried) Bencao (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix - Note: Text says "Ben", likely referring to Ligusticum or similar aromatic herb) Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, bran-fried and pith removed) Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, soaked in rice water) Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, washed with hot water to remove slipperiness) Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) [Each half liang] Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba) Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) [Each half liang] Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried, one liang)

Crush the above into a coarse powder. Take five qian per dose, add one and a half cups of water, decoct until seven-tenths remain, strain, and take hot on an empty stomach. This medicine treats Cold Epidemic. Because Su Dongpo wrote the preface, it became widely circulated throughout the realm. In the Xinwei year, a plague broke out in Yongjia, claiming countless lives. Often, within a short time, a cold epidemic spread, and this medicine happened to be effective. It is unknown whether this was due to local suitability, which cannot be verified. Su Dongpo claimed it was similar to Sanjian San and should be used indiscriminately, which seems too unreasonable. Actually, Cold Epidemic can also cause madness. Yin excess can lead to restlessness, and Yang excess can lead to Jue (cold extremities/reversal). When things reach an extreme, they reverse, which is a normal principle that must be understood. Now recorded for reference in treating Cold Epidemic, users should exercise caution and must investigate the differences between Cold and Warm Epidemics. In the Xinsi year, I compiled *Zhi Zhi*. By the Guisi year, I compiled this book. *Shilin Bushu Lu* (Record of Summer Retreat in Stone Forest) also states: During the Xuanhe era, this medicine was prevalent in the capital. University students believed in it fervently, resulting in countless deaths, leading doctors to abandon it. Nevertheless, it is advisable to retain it for Cold Epidemic to avoid one-sided abandonment.