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Zhi Zi (15 pods, broken open) Gan Cao (1 liang, honey-fried) Huang Bo (2 liang) The above three herbs are decocted in 4 sheng of water to obtain 1.5 sheng. Strain the dregs and divide into two warm doses.

For Taiyang disease presenting with jaundice and fever, Zhi Zi Bai Pi Tang (Gardenia and Phellodendron Decoction) is the primary formula. *Ben Cao* records: Bai Pi San (Phellodendron Bark Powder) clears heat accumulation in the zang-fu organs and treats jaundice.

Zhi Shi (3 pieces, honey-fried) Zhi Zi (14 pods, broken open) Chi Xiao Dou (1 sheng, wrapped in silk) The above three herbs are decocted in 7 sheng of Qing Jiang Shui (clear fermented rice water), boiled first alone. Another method for preparing Qing Jiang Shui: it is the water from washing rice; it is best when stored for a long time until it becomes sour. Take 4 sheng, add Zhi Shi and Zhi Zi, boil to obtain 2 sheng, then add Chi Xiao Dou, boil for five or six more boils, strain the dregs, and divide into two warm doses. Cover the patient to induce a slight sweat. This method aims at inducing sweating rather than vomiting.

For relapse due to overexertion after a major illness (Lao Fu), which refers to residual symptoms after illness recovery and is not indicated for emesis, mild sweating is employed. Zhi Shi Zhi Zi Chi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Fermented Soybean Decoction) is the primary formula. Lao Fu occurs because post-illness righteous qi is deficient, allowing pathogenic factors to accumulate in the upper jiao. Symptoms vary, so specific pathological forms are not detailed; dispersing pathogenic factors in the upper jiao suffices. Later practitioners who used potent tonifying agents to treat Lao Fu caused myriad complications. If there is retained food, add Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) in pieces the size of chess pieces, five or six pieces. This addresses Lao Fu with retained food, encompassing methods for treating Shi Fu (relapse due to improper diet). The "Chapter on Emesis" states: "If retained food is in the upper wan (upper stomach), emesis should be induced."

Note: There are seven variations of Zhi Zi Tang formulas. They do not target specific meridians nor exclusively treat specific misapplications of therapy. Generally, after sweating, vomiting, or purging, righteous qi is already deficient, while phlegm-fluids and stagnant qi remain condensed in the upper jiao, which cannot be removed by sweating or purging. As stated in the *Classic*: "For pathogens located above, use induction to cause upward expulsion (vomiting)." This approach does not disturb meridian qi and prevents further injury to righteous qi, making it the most convenient and unchangeable method. In ancient prescriptions, Zhi Zi was always used raw, causing immediate vomiting upon ingestion. Later practitioners stir-fried Zhi Zi black for decoctions, preventing vomiting, thereby completely losing the original intent of using Zhi Zi. However, it remains effective for deficiency-heat irritability, likely because its property of clearing lung heat and relieving irritability persists. Ultimately, following the ancient method of using it raw is superior.