Library

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄), Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren, 杏仁), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, 石膏)

After sweating therapy or purgation therapy, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) must not be administered again. If there is sweating accompanied by wheezing and no significant high fever, Mahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Seed, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction) may be given. Zhang Zhongjing states that whenever he mentions "after sweating" or "after purgation," it implies that the exterior pathogenic factors have been completely resolved, leaving only one remaining symptom; therefore, he says Guizhi Tang should not be used again. In the current case, after sweating and purgation, wheezing occurs and the body lacks significant heat, indicating that residual pathogenic factors in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) have not yet been resolved. One should administer Mahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Tang to disperse them. Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction with Magnolia Bark and Apricot Seed) is indicated when all symptoms of a Guizhi pattern are present and wheezing is added. Since there is no significant heat here, but only sweating and wheezing, one should not use Cinnamon Twig to stop sweating, but rather use Ephedra to release the exterior, and combine Apricot Seed and Gypsum to clear the interior. Once the exterior and interior pathogenic factors are thoroughly eliminated, the wheezing and sweating will cease spontaneously without specific treatment for these symptoms.

Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi, 桂枝), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草)

Excessive sweating leads to a patient crossing their hands over the heart region, experiencing palpitations in the epigastric area, and desiring pressure upon it. This decoction is the primary treatment. Excessive sweating causes loss of Yang Qi, leading to timidity of Qi in the chest. Hence, the patient crosses their hands over the heart. Palpitations that desire pressure occur due to deficiency, which is why pressure is preferred. The acrid nature of Cinnamon Twig enters the Lung Meridian to benefit Qi; the sweet nature of Licorice enters the Spleen to moderate tension.

Poria (Fuling, 茯苓), Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi, 桂枝), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), Ziziphus Jujubae Fructus (Dazao, 大枣)

After sweating therapy, if the patient experiences palpitations below the umbilicus, this indicates the impending onset of Ben Tun (Rushing Pig, a condition characterized by a sensation of Qi rushing upward from the lower abdomen). This decoction is the primary treatment. Method for preparing Ganlan Water: Place water in a large basin and ladle it repeatedly until numerous pearl-like bubbles appear on the surface. When Ben Tun attacks, the sensation rises from the lower abdomen to the heart, caused by Water Pathogen overwhelming Fire. Poria is used to drain the Water Pathogen; Cinnamon Twig is used to vent the Ben Tun. The sweet and neutral properties of Licorice and Jujube assist Stomach Earth to calm Kidney Water. Ganlan Water is used because its dynamic nature helps resolve stagnant water.

Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo, 厚朴), Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma (Shengjiang, 生姜), Ginseng Radix (Renshen, 人参), Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum (Banxia, 半夏), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草)

After sweating therapy for a Taiyang Disease (Sunyang Bing, 太阳病), abdominal fullness occurs. This decoction is the primary treatment. Whenever Zhang Zhongjing mentions "after sweating," it implies that there are no exterior patterns and no other internal pathogens, only abdominal fullness and excess. This results from insufficient fluids in the Spleen and Stomach, causing Qi stagnation and obstruction, leading to distension. Administering this decoction harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, allowing turbid Qi to descend naturally, thereby resolving the fullness.