Library

[Formula by Zhang Wenzhong for Late-Onset Cold Damage, defined as onset from the third month to the end of the year]

Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) (one jin, crushed) Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) (twenty fruits, split) Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) (three liang) Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (each five liang)
The above five herbs. Use eight sheng of water. Boil to obtain three sheng of decoction. Divide into five doses. Take frequently. If the condition does not resolve, take more. If there is redness in the head and face, remove Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and use Gan Ge (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) four liang. If Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) is unavailable, use Chi Xiao Dou (Sojae Semen Praeparatum) one sheng. Boil to obtain three sheng of decoction. Divide into three doses.

Hu notes: The aforementioned indications state that onset from the third month to the end of the year is called late-onset. From this, we know that cold damage occurs in all four seasons. However, the end of the year belongs to winter, which is typical cold damage (Zheng Shanghan), and cannot be called late-onset. Therefore, late-onset should begin from autumn. The above formula is a preparation for treating dry-heat in the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) and Yangming (Yang Brightness) meridians.

Treats headache caused by phlegm-heat. Benefits the diaphragm. Removes irritability and oppression. Treats vexing heat in the hands and feet, disharmony of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, stiffness and fatigue in limbs and joints, body pain, lethargy, weakness, and loss of taste. Also treats the five types of Yin pathologies (fluid retention). Eliminates phlegm masses.
Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (eight liang) Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) (two and a half liang, washed) Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (stir-fried with honey) Renshen (Ginseng Radix) Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (decored, each three liang)
Crush the herbs to the size of hemp seeds. For each dose, take five qian bi (a small scoop measure). Add one and a half sheng of water, five slices of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), and one Zaozi (Jujubae Fructus). Boil until reduced to eight parts. Strain and take warm.

Hu notes: The above formula is essentially Zhang Zhongjing's Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) with the addition of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix). Inferring the intent of the formula's creation, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) can dry the Spleen and treat the root cause of phlegm production; Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) can clear the Lung and prevent injury by heat. I believe that although phlegm-heat is severe, since Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) is already in the formula, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) may be omitted. Moreover, damp-heat phlegm cannot be cleared by Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix). According to the aforementioned indications mentioning headache, body pain, and diaphragmatic irritability, it should be due to external wind-cold, with heat constrained in the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) meridian generating phlegm. It is unlikely that deficiency would develop suddenly. Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) in the formula should be used with caution. Or, if the disease has persisted for a long time, causing lethargy and weakness, with appetite but no taste, this indicates a transformation from excess syndrome to deficiency syndrome. In such cases, using Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) is acceptable. However, they must be taken in conjunction with drugs such as Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) as assistants.