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Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 4 liang) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, Scutellaria Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix, Peony Root), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, each 1.5 liang), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Licorice Root and Rhizome, 1 liang), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, Pinellia Tuber, 2 he dan), Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus, Jujube Fruit, 6 pieces, split open).
The above nine ingredients. Use seven sheng of water. Boil to obtain three sheng. Remove the dregs. Divide into three warm doses.
This formula combines Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), taking half of each original prescription. It is used to harmonize the pathogenic factors affecting half of Tai Yang (Taiyang, the Greater Yang channel/disease stage) and half of Shao Yang (Shaoyang, the Lesser Yang channel/disease stage). The classics state: In Shang Han (Cold Damage disease), after six or seven days, there is fever with slight aversion to cold, and vexation/pain in the limbs and joints. This indicates that the exterior pathogenic factor of Tai Yang has not yet resolved. Slight vomiting and a sensation of fullness/constraint under the epigastrium indicate that the syndrome involves Shao Yang as well. According to the analysis, "Zhi Jie" (supporting constraint) refers to a sensation of constraint without pain, which is distinct from Jie Xiong (Chest Binding/Constraint). It should not be treated with purgative methods. Only harmonizing methods are suitable. The meaning of this formula lies in harmonizing Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi) to unblock Jin Ye (Body Fluids). Zhang Zhongjing has already explained this clearly in the text. Therefore, for those who have sweated excessively, leading to Wang Yang (Loss of Yang Qi) and Chan Yu (Delirious Speech), this formula is also used to restore Yang and harmonize Yin. Nowadays, people mistakenly use this decoction to induce sweating. Is this not a great error?

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 8 liang), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig, peeled), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, Scutellaria Root, each 3 liang), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, Trichosanthes Root, 4 liang), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, Dried Ginger Rhizome, 3 liang), Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, Oyster Shell, 3 liang, calcined), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Licorice Root and Rhizome, 2 liang, honey-fried).
The above seven ingredients. Use twelve sheng of water, boil to obtain six sheng. Remove the dregs. Re-boil to obtain three sheng. Warm dose of one sheng. Take three times daily. After the initial dose, there may be slight mental restlessness. Upon subsequent doses, sweating occurs and the patient recovers.
This formula is entirely based on the modification method of Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). Ke Yunbo stated: Mental restlessness without vomiting but with thirst, therefore Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome) and Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, Pinellia Tuber) are removed and Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix, Trichosanthes Root) is added. Fullness in the chest and hypochondrium with slight constraint, therefore Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus, Jujube Fruit) is removed and Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, Oyster Shell) is added. Although urination is difficult, there is no palpitation under the heart, therefore Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, Scutellaria Root) is not removed. Fu Ling (Poria, Poria Sclerotium) is not added. Although there is thirst, the exterior pathogen has not resolved, therefore Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome) is not used, but Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig) is added. Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, Dried Ginger Rhizome) replaces Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fresh Ginger Rhizome) to dissipate the fullness and constraint in the chest and hypochondrium. Thus, it can be seen that the modification methods of Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) involve changes in addition and subtraction, with infinite subtle applications. Truly, one who is masterful in methodology.

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 4 liang), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, Pinellia Tuber, washed, 2 he dan), Long Gu (Dinosaur Bone, Fossilized Mammal Bones), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria, Poria Sclerotium), Qian Dan (Plumbum Carbonas, Lead Carbonate), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, sliced), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig, peeled), Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, Oyster Shell, each 1.5 liang), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Rhubarb Root and Rhizome, 2 liang), Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus, Jujube Fruit, 6 pieces, split open).
The above eleven ingredients. Use eight sheng of water, boil to obtain four sheng. Add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Rhubarb Root and Rhizome). Cut into pieces like chessmen. Boil for one or two more boils. Remove the dregs. Warm dose of one sheng.
In Shang Han (Cold Damage disease), after eight or nine days, if purgatives were mistakenly used, resulting in chest fullness, mental restlessness, and fright, difficulty in urination, delirious speech, heaviness of the entire body, and inability to turn over, Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Bupleurum Decoction plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) is the primary treatment. Analysis: This syndrome completely belongs to the exterior pathogen being mistakenly purged, causing disorder of Yin and Yang, with turbid pathogens filling the diaphragm. The Qi of Dan Zhong (Pericardium/Chest Center) cannot distribute to all directions, causing the pathways to be blocked. When the pathways are blocked, the Monarch (Heart) stands alone in danger. Consequently, the Shen (Spirit) becomes internally chaotic, the regulatory functions fail, and the body loses its master, leading to chest fullness, mental restlessness, fright, difficulty in urination, delirious speech, heaviness of the entire body, and inability to turn over. All these symptoms represent complex syndromes involving interior/exterior, deficiency/excess, and mixed Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) and Xie Qi (Pathogenic Factors). However, since the disease involves the exterior pathogen sinking inward, the boundary of Yin-Yang entry and exit relies entirely on Shao Yang (Shaoyang, the Lesser Yang channel/disease stage) as the pivot. Therefore, the decoction is named after Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, Bupleurum Root). For the Yin pathogens that ascend improperly, Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fresh Ginger Rhizome), and Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, Pinellia Tuber) are used to open them. For the Yang pathogens that sink downward, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, Scutellaria Root) and Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) are used to descend them. This allows the pathogens to be separated above and below, preventing internal disturbance. Additionally, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome) and Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus, Jujube Fruit) are used to support the deficiency of Middle Qi (Spleen/Stomach Qi). Long Gu (Dinosaur Bone, Fossilized Mammal Bones), Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, Oyster Shell), and Qian Dan (Plumbum Carbonas, Lead Carbonate) are used to anchor the rebellious Heart Qi (Heart Spirit). Furthermore, the attacking nature of Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, Bupleurum Root) and Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) is aided by Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Root and Rhizome) supporting the upright Qi to expel the pathogen, so the pathogen resolves naturally. The stubborn nature of Long Gu (Dinosaur Bone, Fossilized Mammal Bones) and Mu Li (Ostreae Concha, Oyster Shell) is aided by Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig) assisting Yang to carry the Shen (Spirit), so the Shen (Spirit) returns naturally. The extreme complexity of this prescription is precisely its extreme thoroughness. Without this approach, how could one wield the hands that mend the sky and bathe the sun, and establish the achievement of stabilizing crisis and averting collapse? How miraculous! It is beyond reach.