Library

Therefore, slightly accommodating the milder condition is the reason why Qianghuo Tang (Notopterygium Decoction) and Baidu San (Detoxifying Powder) were established. Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang (Nine-Ingredient Notopterygium Decoction) governs cold pathogen injuring the Ying (Nutritive) level; thus, Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong Radix) and Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) are added to the exterior-releasing herbs to guide the medicinal force into the Blood level, thereby utilizing it to harmonize the Ying Qi. Scallion and ginger are used as guides to induce sweating throughout the body, so that the pathogens in the blood level of the three Yang meridians can reach the disease site directly without stagnation. Baidu San (Detoxifying Powder) governs wind pathogen injuring the Wei (Defensive) level; thus, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Poria (Fuling), Aurantium Fructus Immaturus (Zhike), and Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng) are added to the exterior-releasing herbs to guide the medicinal force to the Wei level, consolidating the righteous Qi to promote circulation. Fresh ginger is used as an envoy to keep the medicinal force lingering in the Lung, so that the pathogens in the Qi level of the Upper Jiao cannot interfere. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) can also be used in this formula because the other herbs have acrid-warm flavors, and it is feared they may become excessive; Huangqin serves to moisten and clear heat.

Chaige Jieji Tang (Bupleurum and Pueraria Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer): Treats combined diseases of the three Yang meridians, characterized by headache, fever, irritability, insomnia, dry throat, deafness, aversion to cold, absence of sweat, with symptoms of all three Yang meridians appearing simultaneously.
Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
Add Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), decoct in water and take orally.

[Note]: Tao Hua created this formula to replace Gegen Tang (Puerariae Radix Decoction). However, he did not realize that Gegen Tang treats only Taiyang and Yangming meridians, whereas this formula uses Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) as the sovereign herb, thus also treating Shaoyang meridian disease; using it for combined Taiyang-Yangming disease is inappropriate. If used for combined three-Yang disease where the exterior and interior pathogens are mild, it will invariably be effective. Zhang Zhongjing uses Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) for combined three-Yang disease because the heat is severe; he states that sweating leads to delirium and enuresis, while purging leads to sweating on the forehead and cold limbs. This precisely indicates that one should only adopt a harmonizing method and must not lightly use sweating or purging methods. This formula utilizes Gegen (Puerariae Radix) and Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) to resolve the pathogens of the Yangming meridian's proper disease, Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) to resolve the remaining pathogens of the Taiyang meridian, and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) to resolve the newly entering pathogens of the Shaoyang meridian. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) assist in treating heat in various meridians, with a specific focus on clearing Yangming heat; Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) assists in astringing the dispersing herbs to prevent excessive sweating; Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) carries the herbs upward to the three Yang meridians; Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) harmonizes the herbs and regulates the exterior and interior. Applied to diseases involving the three Yang meridians, with modifications based on clinical judgment, there is no case that does not heal. If there is thirst with desire to drink, double the dose of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and add Gualougen (Trichosanthis Radix) to clear heat and generate fluids. If there is severe aversion to cold and no sweat, reduce Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and add Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba); increase the dose in spring and summer to release Taiyang cold. If there is sweat, add Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) to release Taiyang wind; there is no situation where this is not applicable.

Shengma Gegen Tang ( Cimicifugae and Puerariae Radix Decoction): Treats diarrhea caused by exterior heat of the Yangming meridian; also treats the initial eruption of smallpox and chickenpox.
Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - honey-fried).
The above four ingredients, decoct in water and take orally.

[Collected Notes]: Ke Qin says: This is a formula for resolving the exterior and harmonizing the interior at the initial stage of Yangming disease. It can be used to disperse exterior heat and also to treat interior deficiency, excelling in both aspects. Fever with spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold but preference for heat, are the fundamental signs of Yangming. Zhang Zhongjing did not establish a formula specifically for the exterior of Yangming; when seeing Yangming onset with profuse sweating and aversion to cold, he uses Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction); when there is no sweat and aversion to cold, he uses Gegen Tang (Puerariae Radix Decoction). The syndrome resembles Taiyang but is called Yangming because Yangming disease originates from transmission from Taiyang, so the treatment remains similar to Taiyang. This formula treats spontaneously arising Yangming disease; it does not use Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) or Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) to avoid excessive sweating leading to fluid depletion and stomach dryness. Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and Gegen (Puerariae Radix) diffuse the Yang qi of the stomach to scatter muscle-layer heat; Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) drain fire from the Spleen meridian to resolve interior heat of the Stomach organ. It induces sweating if present, stops if absent; its efficacy is similar to Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) but avoids the pungent-warm nature of Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), and does not require drinking warm millet gruel to assist Yang. Excess in the Stomach is an interior sign of Yangming; Zhang Zhongjing uses the three Chengqi formulas. However, in early Yangming disease, heat often shifts to the Spleen causing diarrhea; as stated in the Neijing, sudden diarrhea with tenesmus belongs to heat. Diarrhea is indeed a sign of Stomach heat. Thus, in combined Taiyang-Yangming disease with spontaneous diarrhea, Zhang Zhongjing uses Gegen Tang (Puerariae Radix Decoction) to release the exterior heat of both Yang meridians, which effectively treats the interior heat. This formula imitates this principle, removing the pungent-warm Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus), replacing Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) with Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), making it a Yangming exterior formula rather than a Taiyang exterior formula. Gegen (Puerariae Radix) has a sweet-cool nature, capable of dispersing exterior excess; assisting Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) to ascend, it allows clear Yang to reach the upper part and turbid Yin to descend. Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) astringes Spleen Yin, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) moderates urgency and harmonizes the interior, so diarrhea stops naturally. Treating the interior with exterior herbs works because the diarrhea is due to exterior excess, not interior excess. Rashes emerge from the interior to the exterior, originating from Shaoyin and erupting in Taiyang; initially, both interior and exterior are hot, so cooling dispersion is appropriate. Add Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) if no sweat, Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) if sweat, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) if thirst and heat, Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) if sore throat, combine with Xiongzhi San (Ligusticum and Angelica Powder) for headache, combine with Xiaodu Yin (Detoxifying Drink) for facial swelling, add Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) for Shaoyang signs, add Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lianhua (Scutellariae Radix / Coptidis Rhizoma depending on context, likely Huanglian here) for intense fire. For pathogens in the three Yang meridians, modifying this formula yields favorable results.

Shenru Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Drink): Treats cold-damage wind-cold, headache, fever, aversion to cold, cough, thick sticky nasal discharge and saliva, chest and diaphragm fullness/stuffiness, weak pulse, absence of sweat.
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma - 8 fen), Zhusu Ye (Perillae Folium - 8 fen), Qiange (Puerariae Radix - 8 fen), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix - 8 fen), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium - 8 fen), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus - 8 fen), Fuling (Poria - 8 fen), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma - 8 fen), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix - 5 fen), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix - 5 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - 5 fen), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens - 5 slices), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus - 1 piece).
Decoct in water, take hot to induce sweating.

[Note]: Wind-cold damage affecting Taiyang transmits through the meridians because Taiyang governs the exterior; thus, Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) are used to sweat out the Ying and Wei levels. If Taiyin is affected, it does not transmit because Taiyin governs the Lung; thus, this drink is used to disperse pathogens from the skin/hair externally and promote Lung Qi internally. Wherever pathogens gather, Qi must be deficient; therefore, Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is used as the sovereign herb to tonify. Skin/hair is the exterior correspondence of the Lung; when the Lung is invaded by wind-cold, the skin/hair suffers first, causing exterior symptoms like headache, no sweat, fever, and aversion to cold. Zhusu Ye (Perillae Folium), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), and Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) serve as minister herbs to disperse these pathogens. Once the Lung is invaded, turbidity forms in the chest; Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), and Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) are used to clear this turbidity, eliminating cough, thick discharge, and chest stuffiness. Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) promotes internal Qi; Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Zao (Jujubae Fructus) harmonize external Qi. When interior and exterior Qi are harmonious, resolution occurs. Removing Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and adding Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong Radix), and replacing Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) with Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) creates Xiongsu Yin (Ligusticum and Perilla Drink), suitable for those with excess Qi and fire, especially with severe headache. For wheezing/cough, add Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) to direct Qi downward and Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) to drain Lung heat. Combined with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), it becomes Fuling Buxin Tang (Poria Heart-Nourishing Decoction), suitable for dual Qi-Blood deficiency, postpartum deficiency with hematemesis, and wind-cold cough.

Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Patchouli Harmonizing Qi Powder): Treats exogenous abnormal Qi of the four seasons, internal food retention, headache with alternating chills and fever, or cholera-like vomiting/diarrhea, or malaria.
Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Zisu (Perillae Folium), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Dafupi (Arecae Pericarpium), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
The above ten ingredients, add Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), decoct in water, take hot.

[Collected Notes]: Wu Kun says: Abnormal Qi of the four seasons enters via the nose, residing in the interior rather than the exterior; thus, heavy sweating to release the exterior is not used. Instead, aromatic Qi-promoting herbs are used to rectify the interior. Zisu (Perillae Folium), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Dafupi (Arecae Pericarpium), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), and Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) are potent in moving Qi, thus correcting abnormal Qi. Fuling (Poria), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) are sweet-neutral, cultivating Middle Qi. If the disease is in Taiyang, this powder is irrelevant. In cold damage with deep pulse and fever, in those with original Qi deficiency, and in cases of "夾阴" (Yin-clasping) fever, caution is advised. Additionally, Jinbuhuan Zhengqi San (Golden Unchanging Righteous Qi Powder) is Pingwei San (Level the Stomach Powder) plus Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba), indicated for mountain miasma,水土不服 (acclimatization issues), vomiting, diarrhea, and dysentery. Pingwei San (Level the Stomach Powder) levels damp Earth and eliminates miasma; Banxia's (Pinelliae Rhizoma) dryness awakens the Spleen; Huoxiang's (Agastaches Herba) aroma opens the Stomach. Named "Righteous Qi," it rectifies abnormal Qi.

Shenzhu Tang (Divine Skill Decoction): Mainly treats external cold pathogen invasion and internal injury from raw/cold food during three seasons, leading to fever, Spleen diarrhea, and intestinal wind.
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma - 3 qian), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix - 2 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - 1 qian).
The above three ingredients: if no sweat, use Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) with Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens); if sweat, use Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens).

[Collected Notes]: Ke Qin says: This is Wang Haogu's favored formula, modeled on the principles of Zhang Zhongjing's Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) but made as a mild preparation. However, this is a Taiyin formula; it can regulate Wind-Damp in the Spleen and Stomach but cannot treat Wind-Cold in Taiyang, nor the exterior signs of Yangming or half-exterior/half-interior signs of Shaoyang. As stated in the Neijing, spring wind injury leading to lingering pathogens and chronic diarrhea, manifesting as undigested stool or intestinal pus/blood in summer, is suitable for this. Winter cold injury leading to warm disease in spring is not suitable. Modern people, unaware of Zhang Zhongjing's formulation principles, fear Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) harm the body, relying on this mild formula for safety. They do not realize that Ying-Wei disharmony cannot be replaced by Spleen-Stomach harmonizers. Stomach excess cannot be treated with deficiency-tonics. Liver-Gallbladder ministerial fire fluctuations and Shaoyin water-fire conflict cannot be managed by drying agents. Only by understanding drug properties can one understand formula application; only by understanding formulas can one apply them flexibly. If Taiyang disease is treated by inducing Yangming sweat, it is like inviting thieves to destroy the home; did Zhang Jieguc only speak for Gegen Tang (Puerariae Radix Decoction)!

Mahuang Jia Zhu Tang (Ephedra Plus Atractylodes Decoction): Treats body discomfort and pain in patients with dampness.
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba - 3 liang), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus - 2 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - honey-fried, 2 liang), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum - 70 seeds), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma - stir-fried, 4 liang).
The above five ingredients, boil in 9 sheng of water, reduce Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) by 2 sheng, skim foam, add other herbs, boil to 2.5 sheng, strain, take 8 ge warm, cover to induce slight sweating.

[Collected Notes]: Cheng Zhi says: This decoction is the exterior-dispersing method for damp patients. Body ache indicates dampness; restlessness indicates heat. Adding Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) aids in removing dampness and prevents excessive dispersion; this is the correct method for treating dampness. Adding Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to dispersing formulas opens the door for Zhang Jiegu and Wang Haogu.

Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Prepared Aconite Decoction): Governs cold damage after eight to nine days, wind-damp binding, severe body pain preventing turning over, no vomiting, no thirst, floating-deficient and choppy pulse.
Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus - 4 liang), Fuzi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix - 3 pieces), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - 1 liang), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens - 3 liang), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus - 12 pieces).
The above five ingredients, boil in 6 sheng of water, reduce to 2 sheng, strain, divide into three warm doses.

[Collected Notes]: Cheng Zhi says: Wind and damp bind, flowing into joints, causing severe body pain without headache, vomiting, or thirst. Floating-deficient pulse indicates wind; choppy pulse indicates cold-damp. Wind at the exterior is dispersed by the acrid-sweet of Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). Damp in the channels is driven out by the acrid-hot of Fuzi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix). Ginger and date are acrid-sweet, promoting Ying-Wei circulation and fluid passage to harmonize the exterior. Yang deficiency causes dampness stagnation; warming channels and assisting Yang to scatter dampness relies heavily on the powerful action of Fuzi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix).

Gualou Guizhi Tang (Trichosanthes Root and Cinnamon Twig Decoction): Treats complete Taiyang syndrome, stiff and rigid body, reverse deep-slow pulse, indicating Spasm (Jing); this decoction governs.
Gualougen (Trichosanthis Radix - 2 liang), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus - 3 liang), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix - 3 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - 2 liang), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens - 3 liang), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus - 12 pieces).
The above six ingredients, boil in 9 sheng of water, reduce to 3 sheng, divide into three warm doses. If sweat does not occur after taking, drink hot millet gruel after a meal interval to induce sweating.

[Collected Notes]: Yu Chang says: In cold damage formulas, for neck/back stiffness, Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Plus Pueraria Decoction) is used. That formula involves sweating and aversion to wind, with pathogens in the exterior. Here, Taiyang signs are fully present, so pathogens are also in the exterior. However, the deep-slow pulse indicates that exterior pathogens are summoned by internal exhaustion of fluids; thus, one should not view this as a standard Wind-Cold exterior pattern. Therefore, Gegen (Puerariae Radix) for releasing exterior and relaxing muscles is not used. Instead, Gualougen (Trichosanthis Radix), bitter and entering Yin, excels at generating fluids and is used as the sovereign herb. Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) harmonizes Ying-Wei and nourishes sinews to treat spasm, changing the exterior method to a harmonizing method. Since Gualougen (Trichosanthis Radix) is sovereign, its dose should be increased; since Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) is minister, its dose should be decreased.

Shuisan Jie (Water-Resolving Dispersion): Treats epidemic Qi at onset, headache, high fever, etc.
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma - 4 liang), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba - 2 liang), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - honey-fried), Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) (each 3 liang).
Grind into coarse powder, decoct 1 liang per scoop in water and take. Do not take again after sweating or purging.

Ersheng Jiuku Dan (Two Sages Saving Bitterness Pill)
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma - raw, 1 jin), Zaojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus - pig-tooth variety, peel and remove strings, lightly stir-fried, 4 liang).
Grind into powder, mix evenly, form pills with water. Take 3 qian per dose with unrooted water. Reduce dose for weak patients.

[Note]: Tianxing Shiqi (Heavenly Movement Seasonal Qi) refers to abnormal Qi of the four seasons causing disease; initially not called epidemic. Due to contagious disease Qi, affecting old and young similarly, spreading through neighborhoods, it is called Tianxing Shiqi. This epidemic Qi enters via the nose; once infected, all organs are affected. If not urgently expelled, death follows quickly. Urgent expulsion requires either sweating or purging. Thus, ancient epidemic formulas prioritize purging, followed by sweating, providing an exit for pathogens. These two formulas treat winter epidemics and spring epidemics respectively. Winter epidemics are mostly cold; spring epidemics are mostly heat. For cold, Shuisan Jie (Water-Resolving Dispersion) is suitable; Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) release Ying-Wei sweat; Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) purge epidemic toxin. For heat, Jiuku Dan (Saving Bitterness Pill) is suitable; Zaojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus) opens orifices and releases exterior; Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) drains fire and attacks interior, allowing toxin to exit via sweat and purge. Use these two formulas judiciously; the major principles of treating epidemics can be inferred.

Tiansan San (Heavenly Water Powder, also known as Yi Wu San or Liu Yi San): Treats summerheat stroke, heat injuring Yuan Qi, internal and external heat, lethargy, irritability/thirst with desire to drink, dry intestines/stomach. Also induces labor/lactation, resolves accumulations/water retention, tenesmus, and sudden diarrhea.
Huashi (Talcum - water-ground, 6 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - 1 liang), Chensha (Cinnabaris - 3 qian).
Grind into fine powder, mix with a bowl of fresh well water, take 3 qian.

[Collected Notes]: Ke Qin says: Death comes from Yuan Qi deficiency unable to support, or from pathogenic excess unchecked. Now, heat injures Yuan Qi, causing lethargy. Using Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) to tonify Qi makes pathogens worse; using Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) to clear heat further injures Qi. Only those skilled in attacking heat avoid damaging Yuan Qi; those skilled in tonifying deficiency avoid aiding pathogens. Pure-flavored herbs are needed. Huashi (Talcum) embodies the balanced Qi of Earth, executes the clearing/cooling command of West, possesses the firm/heavy form of Autumn Metal, cools heat, is sweet without harming Spleen, contains Tianyi essence with flowing nature, unlike the stagnant Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). It clears water sources above and unblocks water pathways below, washing away Six Fu heat via urine. Honey-fried Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) embodies balanced grass Qi, harmonizes interior/exterior, stops thirst, generates fluids; used as assistant, it protects Yuan Qi and drains deficient fire, harmonizing Five Zang. Heart is master of Five Zang; summerheat disturbs middle, unsettling Shen; Chensha (Cinnabaris) calms it, restoring Shen quickly; cool water nourishes it, rapidly removing heat. This clears Heart Yang-heat. For early heat diarrhea with tenesmus, it is suitable because slippery herbs remove sticking. Inducing labor/lactation and resolving accumulations follow this logic. This formula tonifies Qi without aiding pathogens, expels pathogens without injuring Qi, living up to the name Yiyuan (Benefiting Origin). It stands alongside Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder).

Xiangdi Yin (Costus Drink): Treats summerheat combined with cooling/drinking cold, Yang Qi suppressed by Yin pathogens, headache, fever, aversion to cold, irritability, thirst, abdominal fullness, vomiting/diarrhea.
Xiangru (Moslae Herba), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex - stir-fried with ginger juice), Bian Dou (Phaseoli Semen - stir-fried).
Decoct, soak, take cold.

[Collected Notes]: Ye Zhongjian says: Yin (drink) differs slightly from Tang (decoction); fixed dosage is Tang, unrestricted timing is Yin. Yin is set for thirst, most suitable for warm/summerheat. Stomach dislikes dryness, Spleen dislikes dampness; excessive drinking injures Spleen, causing diarrhea. Treatment: sweating for fluid retention in epigastrium, diuresis for fluid retention in abdomen. Rather than treating existing fluid disorders, better to select herbs that induce sweat or diuresis proactively. Xiangru (Moslae Herba) is aromatic-acrid-warm, diffuses Yang Qi, has comprehensive upper-lower effects, so it is sovereign for summerheat, releasing exterior and promoting diuresis. Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) assists in removing dampness; Bian Dou (Phaseoli Semen) harmonizes middle. Combined as Yin. Entering Stomach, heat goes, dampness stays not, internal/external summerheat removed. For irritability/thirst, remove Bian Dou (Phaseoli Semen), add Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) to make Huanglian Xiangru Yin (Coptis and Costus Drink). Add Fuling (Poria) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) to make Wuwu San (Five-Ingredient Powder). Add Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Ju Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to make Shiwei San (Ten-Ingredient Powder). Modify according to syndrome to maximize Xiangru's utility. However, fatigue/internal injury requires Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat Benefit Qi Decoction); internal heat/severe thirst requires Ren Shen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction). Using Xiangru (Moslae Herba) here doubly empties the exterior and aids internal heat. Xiangru (Moslae Herba) is the summer exterior-releasing herb, like Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) in winter; Qi-deficient patients must not take it. Modern people, unaware summerheat injures Yuan Qi, use it as tea, opening the door to invite thieves.