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Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri, 4 liang), Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae, 1.5 liang), Renshen (Radix Ginseng, 1.5 liang), Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae, 2 he and 5 shao), Dazao (Fructus Jujubae, 6 pieces), Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, 1.5 liang), Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi, 1.5 liang), Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, 1.5 liang), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, 1 liang, prepared with honey).

Take the above nine herbs, decoct in seven sheng of water until three sheng remain, and take warm.

In Taiyang disease (disease syndrome caused by pathogenic factors invading the Taiyang meridian), if ten days have passed since onset, the pulse is floating and fine, and the patient desires to lie down, this indicates that the exterior pathogens have been resolved. If chest fullness and abdominal pain are present, administer Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction, a representative formula for harmonizing Shaoyang). If the pulse is merely floating, administer Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction, a potent diaphoretic formula; see Taiyang Chapter 20).

When Taiyang disease has persisted for more than ten days, and the pulse is floating and fine with somnolence, it signifies that the exterior syndromes of the Taiyang meridian have resolved. This occurs because the exterior pathogen leaves the Taiyang meridian and enters the Shaoyang meridian (Shaoyang meridian disease syndrome); thus, the pulse changes from tight to floating and fine (the typical pulse for Shaoyang disease is wiry and fine). Gallbladder heat tends to cause sleepiness; here, "desiring to lie down" indicates the pathogen has entered Shaoyang. If accompanied by chest and hypochondriac fullness and pain, which are Shaoyang meridian symptoms, Xiaochaihu Tang is appropriate. If the pulse is merely floating without being fine, the pathogen has not entered Shaoyang but remains in Taiyang, so Mahuang Tang is indicated.

In Shanghan (Cold Damage disease), if the Yang pulse (Cun position) is choppy and the Yin pulse (Chi position) is wiry, according to the method, there should be acute abdominal pain. First, treat with Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction, a formula for warming the middle, tonifying deficiency, harmonizing the interior, and relieving urgency); if ineffective, then treat with Xiaochaihu Tang as the primary remedy.

Jia Wood (Liver/Gallbladder) and Yi Wood share the same Qi. If Jia Wood fails to descend, the Cun pulse becomes choppy; if Yi Wood fails to ascend, the Chi pulse becomes wiry. When Jia Wood rebels upward and overacts on Wu Earth (Stomach), pain manifests in the chest and diaphragm; when Yi Wood sinks downward and overacts on Ji Earth (Spleen), pain manifests in the abdomen and hypochondrium. Due to the dryness of Wood Qi, the pain is urgent. The combination of Liver and Gallbladder pathogens leads to the郁 (stagnation) and eruption of Wind and Fire, damaging the Middle Qi; the condition cannot be delayed. Therefore, one should first use Xiao Jianzhong Tang: the sweet properties of Yitang (Maltose), Gancao, and Dazao nourish Spleen essence and relieve urgency; Shengjiang, Guizhi, and Shaoyao unblock Wood stagnation and clear Wind-Fire. If symptoms persist, Chaihu formulas are used again to vent Ministerial Fire. This clarifies the rationale for adding Shaoyao in cases of abdominal pain mentioned in the first chapter.

Guizhi (3 liang), Shaoyao (6 liang), Gancao (2 liang, prepared), Dazao (12 pieces), Shengjiang (3 liang), Jiaoyi (Maltose, 1 sheng).

Take the above six herbs, decoct in seven sheng of water until three sheng remain, remove the dregs, add Jiaoyi, and melt gently over low fire. Take one sheng warm, three times daily.

Patients prone to vomiting should not receive Xiao Jianzhong Tang because sweetness exacerbates vomiting.

Individuals with a history of habitual vomiting should not take Xiao Jianzhong Tang, as the sweetness of Guizhi, Gancao, Jiaoyi, and Dazao easily triggers vomiting.