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Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi, 桂枝), Licorice Root (Gancao, 甘草), Apricot Seed (Xingren, 杏仁), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang, 生姜), Jujube Fruit (Dazao, 大枣), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, 石膏).

Indicated for Cold Damage (Shanghan) complicated by Wind pathogen. The pulse is floating and moderate (slow/relaxed), the body does not ache but feels heavy, occasionally with periods of relief. It is suitable when there are no Shaoyin disease symptoms. Qinglong (Azure Dragon) refers to the spirit of Wood in the East, corresponding to Spring and governing the Liver. It exclusively commands the function of growth and generation, serving as the master of distributing Ying (Nutritive Qi). When all things emerge from their shells, they have two branches; the Liver has two lobes to correspond to this, hence named Azure Dragon. This formula disperses pathogens that injure both Ying and Wei (Defensive Qi). Guizhi treats Wind, Mahuang treats Cold. Here, Cold Damage is complicated by Wind, so Qinglong Tang is used to simultaneously resolve Cold and Wind.

When Cold injures Ying, it must be moderated with Sweet substances; when Wind injures Wei, it must be dispersed with Pungent substances. In cases where both Cold and Wind injure, Pungent and Sweet flavors must be combined for treatment. Therefore, Mahuang serves as the sovereign drug. Since Cold and Wind are both injured, light agents cannot disperse them alone; agents of varying heaviness and lightness must be used together to disperse. Thus, the bitter-pungent nature of Shigao, being heavy in texture yet capable of reaching the muscle layer, is used as an envoy drug. This decoction is a heavy sweating agent. If used slightly excessively, it may cause Yang collapse (Wangyang). Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing warned against excessive dosage. If sweating continues uncontrollably after taking the medicine, place the patient in a basin of water, expose their feet outside, and pat the whole body with warm powder. Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术), Cyperi Rhizoma (Ben, 藁本 - *Note: Text says Ben, usually refers to Ligusticum or similar aromatic herbs in this context, often translated as Cimicifugae Rhizoma or similar depending on specific lineage, here literal 'Ben'*), Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, 川芎), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi, 白芷), in equal parts, finely powdered. For every one tael of herbal powder, add three taels of rice flour.

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao, 芍药), Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin, 细辛), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang, 干姜), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gancao, 炙甘草), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi, 桂枝), Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi, 五味子), Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia, 半夏).

Indicated for unresolved exterior pathogens and fluid retention (Water Qi) in the epigastrium. Qinglong resembles the two branches of Liver Wood, treating diseases of dual injury. Mahuang Tang disperses Cold, Guizhi Tang disperses Wind. If the exterior remains unresolved while there is fluid retention in the epigastrium, it constitutes a dual injury of interior and exterior. Xiao Qinglong Tang is required to dispel pathogens from both exterior and interior. Mahuang is acrid-warm, serving as the sovereign for dispersion; Guizhi is acrid-hot, Zhi Gancao is sweet-neutral, serving as ministers for dispersion; Shaoyao is sour-cold, Wuweizi is sour-warm. Cold-fluid injury to the Lung leads to cough, wheezing, and rebellious Lung Qi. The Classic states: "The Lung desires consolidation; urgently feed it sour substances to consolidate." Therefore, Shaoyao and Wuweizi serve as assistants to restrain rebellious Qi. Fluid retention in the epigastrium impedes the flow of Body Fluids, leading to Kidney dryness. The Classic states: "The Kidney suffers from dryness; urgently feed it pungent substances to moisten it." Therefore, Ganjiang (acrid-hot), Xixin (acrid-warm), and Banxia (slightly warm) are used as envoys to disperse Cold and Water. In this way, Body Fluids circulate freely, sweat is produced, and the disease resolves.

Fluid retention in the epigastrium presents with numerous variable symptoms; thus, methods for modification are established. For thirst, remove Banxia and add Trichosanthis Radix (Gualougen). Water accumulation impedes Body Fluids, causing Qi dryness and thirst. Banxia is drying; removing it facilitates the restoration of Body Fluids. Trichosanthis is moistening; adding it facilitates the generation of Body Fluids. For mild diarrhea, remove Mahuang and add Genkwa Flos (Yuanhua). Water soaking the intestines and stomach causes diarrhea. Diarrhea should not be treated with exterior-releasing methods, as doing so will inevitably cause abdominal fullness; therefore, Mahuang is removed. Sour and bitter flavors can induce vomiting and purging; once water is expelled, diarrhea stops; therefore, Yuanhua is added. The Classic states: "When water meets cold air, the person experiences dysphagia." Stomach Cold is not an exterior syndrome; therefore, Mahuang is removed. Acrid-hot substances can warm the middle; therefore, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi, 附子) is added. For difficulty in urination, the pathology is in the Lower Jiao. Sweet and bland substances penetrate downward; therefore, Poria (Fuling, 茯苓) is added. Exterior-releasing substances tend to move upward; therefore, Mahuang is removed. Wheezing indicates rebellious Qi; the method should be to descend. Mahuang is light and ascending; therefore, it is removed. Apricot Seed (Xingren, 杏仁) is bitter and descending; therefore, it is added.