Library

Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi).
Mainly treats extreme heat. Restlessness and inability to sleep. Heat in the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) cannot diffuse outward, leading to ulceration of the muscles. This is because the Spleen governs the muscles. This prescription uses Coptidis Rhizoma to clear Heart Fire (Bing-Ding corresponds to Fire, representing the Heart and Small Intestine), Scutellariae Radix to clear Lung Metal (Geng-Xin corresponds to Metal, representing the Lungs and Large Intestine), Phellodendri Cortex to clear Kidney Water (Ren-Gui corresponds to Water, representing the Kidneys and Bladder), and Gardeniae Fructus to clear Liver Wood (Jia-Yi corresponds to Wood, representing the Liver and Gallbladder). Then why are there no herbs targeting the Spleen Earth (Wu-Ji corresponds to Earth, representing the Spleen and Stomach)? Because Earth resides in the center and thrives at the end of each season; the energies of the four directions all contribute to clarity and tranquility, allowing the Central Palace to naturally enjoy peace without needing further adjustment.

Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Baifuling), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishaoyao), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), Jujubae Fructus (Dazao).
Treats fever due to Yin Syndrome. This fever also appears between the chest, back, hands, and feet, but the rashes are sparse and pale red. This often results from excessive use of cold-natured medicines. Generally, if one's primordial Qi is inherently deficient, or if the Kidneys are damaged by sexual excess, or if internal injury is caused by raw and cold foods, or if cold-natured medicines are used excessively, it eventually forms a Yin Syndrome. Cold hides in the Lower Jiao, forcing the rootless and unanchored fire to ascend and invade the Metal Palace (Lungs). Nourishing Primordial Yin is a way of supporting righteousness. However, when cold pathogenic factors prevail, treatment should employ acrid-hot methods. Without the robust and fierce nature of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) and the ability of Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) to warm the Middle, how can Yang Qi be supported to return to its origin, and how can Yuan Qi be restored from the realm of nothingness?

Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi), Paeoniae Radix (Shaoyao), Maltose (Jiaoyi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao).
Mainly treats loss of Yang due to excessive sweating, with a weak pulse at the Chi position. Note: Sweat is the fluid of the Heart. If sweating is induced inappropriately, or if sweating is excessive when it should have been done, the Qi of Bing-Ding (Heart Fire) will dissipate. Ramulus Cinnamomi secures the Defensive Qi and solidifies the Cou Li (pores and interstices); Maltose tonifies the Middle Jiao to strengthen the muscles. It is like making walls and ramparts dense and firm; if the Central Palace has no fear of leakage, then what was previously decadent can now be rebuilt.

Paeoniae Radix (Shaoyao), Rehmanniae Radix Recens (Shengdi), Moutan Cortex (Danpi), Cornu Rinocerotis Trachea (Xijiao).
Mainly treats Shanghan (Cold Damage) where sweating should have been applied but was missed, resulting in intra-abdominal blood stasis, epistaxis (nosebleed), hematemesis (vomiting blood), yellow complexion, and black stool. This prescription dissolves and eliminates blood stasis. Note: Among agents that remove stasis, Didang Tang/Wan is the most potent, Taoren Chengqi Tang is second, and Xijiao Dihuang Tang is third. The potent ones primarily target the Lower Jiao, the second-tier ones primarily target the Middle Jiao, and the mild ones primarily target the Upper Jiao. This prescription contains tonification within its blood-moving action; it is a harmonizing agent for those with blood disorders.