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Jaundice is characterized by a sensation of hunger after eating, a desire to lie still, and yellowing of the entire body, face, eyes, and urine. The etiology may involve damage from diet or from excessive alcohol and sexual activity. Although the causes differ, they fundamentally stem from Yang deficiency and dampness in the Spleen Earth. When dampness is located superiorly, Yang Qi is constrained and transforms into Damp-Heat; when dampness is located inferiorly, Yin Qi is constrained and transforms into Damp-Cold. If Yi Wood (Liver Qi) sinks downward, Yang Qi is obstructed in the Yin aspect and also transforms into Damp-Heat; if Jia Wood (Gallbladder Qi) rebels upward, Yin becomes abundant in the Yang aspect and also transforms into Damp-Cold. This distinction defines Yang Jaundice and Yin Jaundice. For pathology in the meridians at the exterior level, dispersal through sweat pores is appropriate. For pathology in the Bladder at the interior level, drainage through the water passages (urination) is appropriate. For pathology high in the Upper Wan (epigastrium), inducing vomiting to expel turbid pathogens is appropriate. For pathology low in the Lower Wan, purging to remove accumulated stagnation is appropriate. By assessing the warmth, coolness, cold, and heat, and thoroughly clearing via these four routes, the treatment of jaundice will be comprehensive.

If Yin Jaundice is due to Spleen deficiency failing to transport, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction) is the primary formula. If Yin Jaundice is due to Kidney deficiency failing to transform, Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice is Grain Jaundice with abdominal fullness and difficult urination, Gan Cao Yin Chen Tang (Licorice and Artemisia Capillaris Decoction) is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice requires diaphoresis to promote diuresis, Yin Chen Wu Ling San (Artemisia Capillaris and Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice requires clearing heat to promote diuresis, Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) added with Yin Chen is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice is Wine Jaundice with mental restlessness, heat pain, nausea, and urge to vomit, Zhi Zi Da Huang Tang (Gardenia and Rhubarb Decoction) is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice is Color Jaundice with evening fever and aversion to cold, bladder urgency, free urination, black loose stools, five-palm heat, abdominal fullness, yellow body, and dark forehead, Yuan Hua Ling Gan San (Mirabilite, Talcum, Licorice, and Poria Powder) is the primary formula. If Yang Jaundice involves internal stasis-heat requiring purgation, Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) with Hou Po removed and Zhi Zi and Yin Chen added is the primary formula.

If the body is swollen, with fever, sweating, and thirst, resembling Feng Shui (Wind-Water edema), where sweat stains clothes yellow like cypress juice, and the pulse is deep, this is caused by bathing in cold water while sweating, allowing water to enter through the pores. This is named Huang Han (Yellow Sweat). It is treated with Huang Qi Gui Zhi Shao Yao Ku Jiu Tang (Astragalus, Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Vinegar Decoction). If there is body pain, irritability, and difficult urination, Gui Zhi Jia Huang Qi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Astragalus) is used.

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (See formula under Cough): Add Yin Chen, decoct in water until half a cup remains, take warm.

Zhen Wu Tang (See formula under Phlegm-Fluids): Add Yin Chen, decoct in water until half a cup remains, take warm.

Gan Cao Yin Chen Tang: Yin Chen (3 qian), Zhi Zi (3 qian), Da Huang (3 qian), Gan Cao (2 qian). Decoct in water until half a cup remains, take hot. After ingestion, urination should become smooth; urine will resemble soap pod juice, appearing bright red. Abdominal distension will decrease overnight, and the yellow pathogen exits via urination.

Yin Chen Wu Ling San: Gui Zhi, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Zhu Ling, Ze Xie ground equally into powder. Use 5 qian per dose, mix with 1 liang of Yin Chen Hao powder, take one tablespoon mixed with rice broth on an empty stomach, three times daily. Drink plenty of hot soup to induce sweating.

Zhu Ling Tang (See formula under Plague)

Zhi Zi Da Huang Tang: Zhi Zi (3 qian), Xiang Chi (3 qian), Da Huang (3 qian), Zhi Shi (3 qian). Decoct in water until one huai remains, divide into three hot doses.

Yuan Hua Ling Gan San: Yuan Ming Fen, Hua Shi, Gan Cao, Fu Ling ground equally into powder. Mix with barley porridge juice, take one tablespoon, three times daily. After ingestion, the pathogen exits via stool and urine; yellow urine and black stool are the signs.

Da Cheng Qi Tang (See formula under Warm Pathogens)

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Shao Yao Ku Jiu Tang: Huang Qi (5 qian), Shao Yao (3 qian), Gui Zhi (3 qian). Mix with 1.5 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water, decoct until 0.8 parts remain, take warm. Mental distress may occur, resolving after six to seven days.

Gui Zhi Jia Huang Qi Tang: Gui Zhi (3 qian), Shao Yao (3 qian), Sheng Jiang (3 qian), Gan Cao, roasted (2 qian), Huang Qi (3 qian), Da Zao (4 pieces). Decoct 3 cups of water until 0.8 parts remain, take warm. Shortly after, drink more than one cup of hot congee to assist the medicinal power. Cover warmly to induce slight sweating; if no sweat occurs, administer again.