Library

Erchen Tang (Two-Year-Aged Orange Decoction): Phlegm is formed from the body fluids of the Spleen and Stomach, circulating and functioning throughout the body; Qi and Blood rely on it for movement, much like roads, making it indispensable. However, if Dampness is excessive leading to abundant phlegm, compounded by external pathogens stagnating in the Middle Jiao, this becomes a pathological condition. If phlegm is not severe, even with external contraction, the condition is mild; when Wind-Cold invades the exterior and is fanned by Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo), it attacks upward to the eyes and head, causing An-Feng (dark wind) or Tan-Jue (phlegm syncope); when Summer-Heat and Dampness take advantage of the deficiency, binding with Qi and Blood and attaching to sinews and bones, it results in swelling, toxicity, paralysis, and other disorders; when Frightful Anger clouds the orifices, it leads to Dian-Kuang (mania and epilepsy). It is truly said that "nine out of ten diseases involve phlegm." This formula comprehensively treats phlegm syndromes throughout the body. To direct the medicinal action upward, add herbs that guide upward; to direct it downward, add herbs that guide downward. It is unsuitable for Wine-Phlegm and Dry-Phlegm.

Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) 2 qian harmonizes the Spleen, eliminates phlegm, and regulates Qi. Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) 1 qian dries Dampness, resolves phlegm, and warms the Middle. For dry syndromes due to Blood deficiency, Jiangzhi Zhi Qu (Ginger Juice Prepared Qu) must be used. Fuling (Poria) 8 fen promotes fluid metabolism through the orifices and harmonizes the Middle. Gancao (Licorice Root) 4 fen strengthens the Spleen, drains fire, and harmonizes the Middle. Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 3 slices are added; decoct in water and take warm. If Blood deficiency is present, combine with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction); if Qi deficiency is present, combine with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction); if Damp-Phlegm causes heaviness and fatigue, add Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome); if Cold-Phlegm causes asthma, add Xingren (Apricot Seed), Mahuang (Ephedra Stem), Xixin (Asarum Root), and Zisu (Perilla Leaf); if Wind-Phlegm is present, add Nanting (Arisaema Rhizome), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), and Zaojiao (Tamarix Fruit); if phlegm is abundant, add Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) and Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice); if Heat-Phlegm is present, add Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) and Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome); if Phlegm-Fire in the Epigastrium is present, add Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); if phlegm is knotted and cannot be expectorated, add Gualou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed); if Blood-Phlegm is present, add Huangqin, Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Shaoyao (Peony Root), Zhuli, and Jiangzhi; if stagnant phlegm in the Chest is present, add Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) and Poxiao (Mirabilite); for old phlegm in the chest as well as deficiency-phlegm and dry-phlegm, remove Banxia and add Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) and Haifen (Sea Powder). Various diseases can be inferred based on herb properties; modifications are at the physician's discretion. Furthermore, Xingxiang San (Star and Cyperus Powder) and Daotan Tang (Phlegm-Guiding Decoction), along with all other herbs that move phlegm or resolve phlegm accumulations, are derived from this formula.

Yueju Wan (Surmount Depression Pill): Suitable for those whose desires are unfulfilled, such as widows, nuns, and monks; those frustrated in fame and wealth; those who were once rich but became poor; or those suffering from chronic illnesses that do not heal. Grind Cangzhu, Shenqu (Medicated Leaven), Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), and Xiangfu in equal proportions into powder. Form pills the size of mung beans using water. Take 70 pills with warm water. Generally, Qi, Blood, and Phlegm often coexist with depression syndromes. There are six types of depression, which should be modified according to symptoms. If Qi depression causes chest and hypochondriac pain with a floating and fine pulse, combine with Sijunzi Tang; if Blood depression causes limb weakness, ability to eat, red stool, and a deep pulse, combine with Siwu Tang; if Phlegm depression causes panting upon exertion with a deep and slippery radial pulse, combine with Erchen Tang; if Damp depression causes wandering body pain or joint pain, worsening in cold weather with a deep and fine pulse, add Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) and Fuling; if Heat depression causes dark urine with a deep and rapid pulse, add Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis); if Food depression causes belching with sour taste, abdominal fullness, and inability to eat, with a normal left radial pulse and a tight/full right radial pulse, add Shanzha (Hawthorn Fruit) and Zhensha (Needle Sand). For various depressions in Spring, add Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root); in Summer, add Kushen (Sophora Root); in Autumn and Winter, add Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit). Furthermore, Liuyu Tang (Six Depression Decoction), Liuqi Yinzi (Qi-Flowing Drink), Siqi Tang (Four Seven Decoction), Fenqi Yin (Separating Qi Drink), etc., are all derived from this formula.

Liuyu Tang: Resolves various depressions. Chenpi, Banxia, Chuanxiong, and Cangzhu each 1 qian; Chi Fuling (Red Poria) and Shanzhi Ren (Gardenia Seed) each 7 fen; Xiangfu 2 qian; Sharen (Amomum Fruit) and Gancao each 5 fen; Shengjiang 3 slices. Decoct in water and take, modifying according to symptoms.

Yinxu Sheng Neire Tang (Yin Deficiency Generating Internal Heat Decoction): Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Chuanxiong, Cangzhu, and Chenpi each 8 fen; Baishao (White Peony Root), Shanzhi, and Tianguafen (Trichosanthes Root) each 6 fen; Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Maidong, and Shashen (Glehnia Root) each 7 fen (use more Maidong in summer); Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root) 5 fen; Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) 3 fen; Gancao 2 fen; Shengjiang 3 slices. Decoct in water and take. Yam (Shanyao) may replace Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Baizhu. For long-term use, remove Chuanxiong. In winter, add Poguzhi (Psoralea Fruit). The principle of this formula elucidates that of the following Yinfen Shengyang Tang.

Yinfen Shengyang Tang (Yin Level Generating Yang Decoction): Baizhu 7 fen, Baishao 6 fen, Danggui 1 qian, Gancao 2 fen, Cangzhu 5 fen, Chenpi 8 fen, Shengjiang 3 slices, one Jzao (Jujube Fruit). Renshen and Fuling may be added, or Shanyao may replace Renshen and Fuling. Decoct in water and take. Honey may also be added. Rougu (Nutmeg) and Poguzhi may be added; Poguzhi is especially suitable in winter. This is because the Lower Jiao Yuanqi (Original Qi) is the root of generation for the Sanjiao (Triple Burner).

Shengyang Yiwang Rong Tang (Raising Yang, Benefiting Stomach, and Nourishing Blood Decoction): Danggui 1 qian, used whole; combined with Renshen and Baizhu, it tonifies. Baishao 8 fen, stir-fried; combined with Baizhu, it regulates the Spleen. Renshen 7 fen, fried Shanzhi Ren 8 fen, Gancao 5 fen. If eating Songcai (Chinese Cabbage), replace it with honey. Baizhu 5 fen, Mutong (Akebia Stem) 5 fen (reduce gradually), Shengjiang 3 slices, two Jzao, a pinch of Jingmi (Rice Grain). Decoct in water and take hot. Cangzhu and Shanzji greatly resolve depression. Due to consuming cold foods, depressed fire in the Spleen and Stomach occurs, so this belongs to the Spleen. The Spleen corresponds to Earth. Heat hidden within the earth (metaphorically deep within the body) often arises from Blood deficiency. Additionally, for those with Stomach deficiency who overconsume cold foods, causing Yang Qi to be constrained within the Spleen-Earth, this formula is also suitable. Rougu and Poguzhi may be taken in winter. The above three formulas were established by Gu'an. A brief summary was compiled in the Depression section; now it is detailed further.