Library

To treat warm diseases (Wenbing, febrile diseases caused by warm pathogenic factors), when the Taiyang syndrome has not yet resolved and gradually enters the Yangming stage. The patient's stomach Yin is inherently deficient, the Yangming fu-organ excess syndrome has not solidified, but dry thirst with excessive drinking has already occurred. Due to excessive water intake, the fluids cannot be transformed and transported, leading to slippery diarrhea, while the dry thirst becomes even more severe. Alternatively, there may be panting, spontaneous sweating, or difficulty in urination. In warm rashes (warm-type skin eruptions), many cases present with similar syndromes, which are particularly dangerous; using this decoction is also appropriate.

The formula is Xuanjie Tang (Ventilation and Resolution Decoction) with 1 liang of raw Dioscorea opposita rhizome (Shanyao) added, and the dosage of Glycyrrhiza uralensis root (Gancao, Licorice Root) changed to 3 qian.

This is a syndrome where both the Stomach Fu organ and the Bladder have heat, combined with deficiency heat. Talcum (Huashi) has properties close to Gypsum fibrosum (Shigao); it can clear heat from the Stomach Fu organ. Its bland taste and diuretic nature allow it to clear heat from the Bladder. Combined with Gancao, it generates "Tianyi Water" (referring to Kidney Yin/True Yin), thereby clearing deficiency heat generated by Yin deficiency. One herb possesses these three benefits, so it serves as the Sovereign drug. Meanwhile, a heavy dose of Shanyao is used for its ability to greatly nourish True Yin and firmly consolidate Yuan Qi (Original Qi), serving as the Assistant and Envoy drugs. Furthermore, when Shanyao is used raw, its juice is thick and sticky. Combined with the sweet and moderating nature of Gancao, it retains Huashi in the Stomach, allowing it to be transmitted from the Stomach to the Spleen, and from the Spleen to the Lung, distributing fluid essences throughout the body. It then follows the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) downward to communicate with the Bladder. Consequently, vexation and heat are eliminated, urination becomes smooth, and slippery diarrhea stops. Additionally, Chrysanthemi Flos (Lianqiao, Forsythia Fruit) and Bombyx Batryticatus (Chantui, Cicada Slough), which are good at reaching the exterior, are used to resolve the unresolving Taiyang exterior syndrome. This prevents the accumulated heat in the Bladder from being constrained by external pathogens, making the heat easier to dissipate. Moreover, the cicada's nature is to drink but not eat, producing only urine and no feces; thus, Chantui can also promote urination and stop diarrhea. Since I began clinical practice, I have encountered such cases countless times. Most physicians were at a loss, but administering this decoction resulted in recovery without exception. If used for warm rashes accompanied by this syndrome, it is especially suitable, as Lianqiao and Chantui are indeed excellent herbs for dispersing warm rashes.

An elderly woman, nearly seventy years old, had previously suffered from diffuse swelling (Manzhong). After over a month of treatment, the swelling subsided, but her body had not recovered. Suddenly, in late spring, she contracted a warm disease, presenting with upper jiao vexation and heat. Her family boiled fresh Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) and Cortex Lycii (Digupi, Bark of Wolfberry Root) in water for her to drink, which provided slight relief. After drinking it several times, she developed persistent slippery diarrhea, and the vexation and heat worsened. Her pulse was floating, slippery, and rapid, but weak upon deep pressure. The family, concerned about her advanced age, pre-existing conditions, upper jiao heat, and lower jiao diarrhea, feared she would not recover. However, I confidently asserted that she could be cured. I administered Ziyin Xuanjie Tang (Nourishing Yin Ventilation and Resolution Decoction). After one dose, the diarrhea stopped, and the vexation and heat felt lighter. Subsequently, I prescribed my own formulated Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng Root) with Shanyao replacing Jingmi (Rice Grain). A large bowl of decoction was prepared, and she was instructed to sip it warm, one mouthful at a time, to prevent recurrent diarrhea. Upon finishing the entire dose, she recovered.

A young unmarried woman contracted wind-heat, developing widespread urticaria (Yinzhen, wheals), vexation, thirst, slippery diarrhea, and panting. Her pulse was floating, rapid, and weak. After much hesitation, I ultimately administered Ziyin Xuanjie Tang. After two doses, all symptoms resolved.

Note: Patients taking Ziyin Xuanjie Tang typically do not sweat profusely, nor should they, due to their deficiency in the Yin aspect. Occasionally, patients may not sweat at all, yet the disease still resolves.