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This is precisely Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) with the addition of Sanliang (1.5 oz) of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and Siliang (2 oz) of Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix).

Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 4 liang), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 3 liang, remove nodes), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 2 liang), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 3 liang, sliced), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang, honey-fried), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, 3 liang, remove bark), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 12 pieces, split). The above seven ingredients are decocted in one dou (approx. 2 liters) of water. First, boil Mahuang and Gegen, the two principal herbs. Reduce the volume by two sheng (approx. 0.4 liters), skim off the foam on the surface, then add the remaining herbs. Boil until three sheng (approx. 0.6 liters) remain, strain to remove dregs, and take one sheng (approx. 0.2 liters) warm. Cover with blankets to induce a slight sweat. There is no need to drink hot porridge afterwards, as sweating has already been induced. Rest and dietary precautions follow those for Guizhi Tang.

In Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel), characterized by stiffness and tightness in the nape and back, absence of sweat, and aversion to wind, Gegen Tang (Kudzu Root Decoction) is indicated.

The previous entry regarding Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Guizhi Tang plus Kudzu Root Decoction) presents identical symptoms, but it states "sweating occurs," hence Mahuang is omitted. Here, it states "no sweat," hence Mahuang is added.

Yangming disease (disease of the Yangming channel) typically presents with sweating and aversion to heat. Since the current case involves no sweat and aversion to wind, the pathogen has not fully entered the Yangming channel; therefore, it is classified as Taiyang disease.

Note: According to Bencao (Materia Medica), Gegen treats severe body heat. Severe heat is a symptom of Yangming disease. Since the Taiyang condition is about to transition into the Yangming channel, this herb is added.

When Taiyang and Yangming channels are simultaneously affected (Hebing / Combined Disease), spontaneous diarrhea will inevitably occur. Gegen Tang is indicated. The diagnosis of Hebing relies entirely on assessing the symptom of diarrhea, as wind-pathogen invading the stomach leads to diarrhea.

It is highly effective in treating fever accompanied by diarrhea.

Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, half jin [8 liang]), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang, honey-fried), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 3 liang), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 3 liang). The above four ingredients are decocted in eight sheng (approx. 1.6 liters) of water. First, boil Gegen until the volume reduces by two sheng. Then add the remaining herbs and boil until two sheng remain. Strain to remove dregs and divide into two warm doses.

Taiyang disease presenting with Guizhi syndrome (Taiyang Wind-Strike deficiency pattern), which is the typical presentation of Taiyang wind-strike, was mistakenly treated with purgatives by the physician. This was a major error. Consequently, diarrhea persisted uncontrollably because the pathogen sank inward. If the pulse is Cu (Rapid/Agitated), it indicates that the exterior syndrome remains unresolved. A Cu pulse implies rapidity; the pathogen is still at the exterior and has not yet sunk into the Yin levels where Chen (Deep) or Wei (Minute) pulses would appear. Therefore, Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) is not used. For cases involving wheezing and sweating accompanied by diarrhea, Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang (Kudzu Root, Scutellaria, and Coptis Decoction) is indicated. Because the exterior is unresolved, Gegen is used; because of wheezing, sweating, and diarrhea, the bitter-cold properties of Huangqin and Huanglian are employed to clear heat and firm the intestines.

Huangqin, Huanglian, and Gancao constitute the principal herbs for treating diarrhea.